Obituaries

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  WAYNE E. RENICKER, 80, NORTH MANCHESTER, IN

   

  Wayne E. Renicker, 80, North Manchester, IN died at 4:00 a.m. Saturday, April 13, 2013 at his residence.  He was born at Wabash County, Indiana on June 28, 1932 to Elmer & Frances (Wray) Renicker.  On January 16, 1954 he married Donna J. Hopkins.  She survives.  Also surviving are two sons, Rod (Phyllis) Renicker, Modesto, CA and Wade A. (Jill) Renicker, Tipp City, OH.  A daughter, Mrs. James (Terry) Metzger, North Manchester, IN.  Twelve grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.  Wayne retired from Strauss Feed Mill after 26 years, was a veteran of the United States Navy and a member of Living Hope Church, Akron, IN.    Services will be held Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at West Manchester Old German Baptist Brethren Church- New Conference, 1013 W. State Road 114, North Manchester, IN.  Friends and family may call on Tuesday, April 16, 2013 from 2-5 & 6-8 at the church.  Pastor Dan Smith and Pastor Dwight Wagoner will officiate.  Burial will follow at Old German Baptist Brethren Cemetery.  Arrangements are entrusted to McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, IN.  For those who wish to honor the memory of Wayne E. Renicker, memorial contributions may be made to Heart of Compassion International Ministries, Inc. 6796 W  1400 N, Silver Lake, IN 46982.  To send a private condolence to the Renicker family, use the Condolence link on the Homepage.
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  CRAIG RAIKES, 49, LAKETON, IN

   

  Craig Raikes, 49, Laketon, IN died at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2013 in Lutheran Hospital, Ft. Wayne, IN. He was born October 22, 1963 in Peru, IN. He graduated from Southwood High School in 1982.  On February 26, 1994 he married Tyna Lynn Kindler. Craig was a welder for 19 years at Abresist Kalenborn Corp., Urbana, IN.  He was a member of Congregational Chrisitian Church, North Manchester, IN where he was a member of 4WB Praise Band.  He was also a member of the Jimmy B & 4 On The Floor Band. He loved to fish, ride his Harley and play and write music.  He is survived by his wife, Tyna Lynn Raikes, Laketon, IN; son, Corey Steven Raikes, Laketon, IN; daughters, Autumn Claire (fiance' Brett Taylor) Raikes, Roann, IN and Rhyan Shay Raikes, Fort Wayne, IN; father, David William Raikes, Lafayette, IN; mother, Carole Jean Kreighbaum, Plainfield, IN; brother, Kris R. (Kelly) Raikes, Santa Cruz, CA; sisters, Debra J. (companion Karen Oliver) Raikes, Avon, IN and JoAnna R. Kreighbaum, Denver, CO; grandson, Wyatt Taylor, Roann, IN; nephews, Declan & Gavin Oliver-Raikes, Avon, IN; one aunt and three cousins. One brother and one aunt are deceased.  Family and friends may call Saturday, March 16, 2013 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Congregational Christian Church, 310 N. Walnut Street, North Manchester, IN.  Celebration of Life service will be Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. at Congregational Christian Church, 310 N. Walnut Street, North Manchester, IN.  Following the celebration of life service there will be additional calling until 5:00 p.m. Pastor J. P. Freeman will officiate.  For those who wish to honor the memory of Craig Steven Raikes, memorial contributions may be made to Congregational Christian Church 310 N. Walnut Street, North Manchester, IN 46962   Arrangements entrusted to McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, IN.  To send a private condolence to the Raikes family, use the Condolence link on the Homepage.
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  M. ALPHEUS ROHRER, 90, NORTH MANCHESTER, IN

   

  M. Alpheus Rohrer, 90, North Manchester, IN, died December 26, 2012 at 9:15 p.m. at Wabash County Hospital, Wabash, IN.  He was born January 10, 1922 on a farm near North Lima, OH which is near Youngstown.  His father, Samuel E. Rohrer, was a dairy farmer and his mother, Mary (Martin) Rohrer, a homemaker.  He had an older brother, Abram, and an older sister, Kathryn. His favorite memory of childhood is making maple syrup. He attended grades 1-8 at the Eureka one room school in Beaver Twp., Mahoning County, OH.  Alpheus graduated from Columbiana High School in 1940.  He had many farm chores at home so he had no time for school activities, although he did participate in a spelling bee. From 1946-1950, Alpheus attended Manchester College, North Manchester, IN.  He was in the German Club, and worked as a dish washer, using a machine! He graduated with a BA in Secondary Education in 1950. He earned a Master’s degree in Agriculture at Ohio State University, and a Master’s in Physics and Chemistry from Penn State. During youth meetings at the old Walnut Street Church of the Brethren, North Manchester, IN, he met Alice Rupel. They were married on July 1, 1950 in the Pine Creek Church of the Brethren, east of North Liberty, IN. Their four children are: Stanley (Drema) Rohrer, Beavercreek, OH; Edith Rohrer, Warsaw, IN; Thelma (James Adams) Rohrer, North Manchester, IN; and Norman (Melinda) Rohrer, San Jose, CA. They have four grandsons, Scott (Kaitlin) Rohrer, Todd (Danielle) Rohrer, Nate Rohrer and Luke Rohrer. Alpheus farmed for 6 years after high school, left for 9 years, then came back and taught school as well as doing farming for a few years. He then rented the fields and continued teaching physics and chemistry for a total of 34 years. He retired in 1988 from South Range High School, North Lima, OH. Alpheus was a ‘sea-going cowboy’ for the Brethren during January-February of 1946, going to Poland. The family took an RV trip to the western US states in 1972 and he made a trip to Europe in 1989 to visit a Brethren exchange student in Heidelberg, Germany. He has been a delegate to Annual Conference 8 times, and to District Conference 5 times. His favorite place is ‘home’! When Alpheus and Alice moved back to North Lima, they built an apartment onto the farm house and took care of  his parents, Grandpa for 8 years, Grandma for 20 years. Alpheus has done a lot of church work, including being the local moderator for 5 years, a church board member for 19 years, a life deacon for 55 years.  He also was a SS Superintendent, VBS teacher, Camp Inspiration Hills committee member for 12 years, and a member of the Beaver Twp. Ruritan Club for 24 years.  Alpheus is a member of the Zion Hill Church of the Brethren, Columbiana, OH, attending the Manchester Church of the Brethren congregation.  He moved to North Manchester, IN on October 1, 2010, from North Lima, OH. The memorial service for Alpheus Rohrer is on Saturday, December 29, 2012 in the Timbercrest Chapel, 2201 East Street, North Manchester, IN at 3:00 p.m. with visitation from 2:00-3:00 p.m.  Pastor Karen Eberly will officiate. A memorial service this summer at Zion Hill Church of the Brethren, will be announced at a later date. Burial will be in Zion Hill Cemetery, Columbiana, OH. Arrangements entrusted to McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 W, North Manchester, IN. For those who wish to honor the memory of M. Alpheus Rohrer, memorial gifts may be given to Heifer Project International, PO Box 8058, Little Rock, AR 72203 or Manchester University, 604 E. College Ave., North Manchester, IN 46962. To send a private condolence to the Rohrer family, use the Condolence link on the Homepage. 
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  RALPH A. ROYER, 80, CLAYPOOL, IN

   

  Ralph A. Royer, 80, Claypool, Indiana died at 8:50 a.m. Sunday, October 14, 2012 at his residence.  He was born at Virigwi, Nigeria on July 26, 1932 to Harold A. & Gladys (Hawbaker) Royer.  He attended high school in Nirgeria and Dallas Center, Iowa.  After attending McPherson College (KS) for 2 years, he served as 1-W alternative military service in Nigeria from 1953-1955.  Upon his return, he completed his college degree and graduated in 1957.  On April 17, 1955 he married Florence S. Miller.  She died February 25, 2005.  Ralph & Flossie served as missionaries for the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria for 18 years.  Later, Ralph served as director of Church World Service in Niger for 11 years.  He also served in Liberia for 2 years where he was involved with war relief work.  Returning to Indiana in 1986 he worked in construction for the next 20 years.  He poured his time, energy and love into the Eel River Church and surrounding community.  On April 29, 2006 he married Barbara (Peters) McFadden.  For the last six years Barbara has joined Ralph in his efforts.  Surviving are his wife, Barbara.  Three daughters; Linda Shankster, Elkhart, IN; Mrs. Carl (Roxane) Hill, Abilene, TX; Mrs. Andrew (Sylvia) Taussig, Oklahoma City, OK.  Eleven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.  One sister, Norann Blough, Bruderhof Community, NY.  Services will be held Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. at Eel River Community Church of the Brethren, 2507 E. State Road 14, Silver Lake, IN.  Friends and family may call on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, IN.  Pastor Andrew Sampson will officiate the services and burial will be in Ulrey Memorial Cemetery, Silver Lake, IN.  For those who wish to honor the memory of Ralph A. Royer, memorial contributions may be made to Kulp Bible College (a pastor's training school in Nigeria) c/o McKee Mortuary.  To send a private condolence to the Royer family, use the Condolence link on the Homepage.
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  LUCILLE REED, 93, NORTH MANCHESTER, IN

   

   Lucille "Lucy" Reed, 93, North Manchester, IN died at 7:15 p.m. Saturday, June 30, 2012 in Peabody Healthcare Center.  She was born September 1, 1918 in Whitley County, Indiana to William Carl & Mary Iva (Culp) Overholser.  On April 3, 1937 she married Harold E. Reed.  He survives.  Also surviving are a son Richard Eugene (Sheila) Reed, North Manchester, IN; three daughters, Mrs. David (Patricia) Brace, North Manchester, IN; Mrs. Robert (Sherry) Curtis, Greencastle, IN; Mrs. Steven (Cindy) Royer, Fort Wayne, IN.  Fifteen grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren.  One grandchild, three brothers and three sisters are deceased.  Lucy had worked at the former Mike's Cafe in North Manchester for 19 years and later retired from Peabody Retirement Community in 1989.  She was a member of the Church of the Nazarene, North Manchester where she served as pianist for many years.  Services will be held Thursday, July 5, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, IN.  Friends and family may call on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary.  Pastor Darrell Cox will officiate and burial will follow in Oaklawn Cemetery, 600 Beckley Street, North Manchester, IN.  For those who wish to honor the memory of Lucille Reed, memorial contributions may be made to the Church of the Nazarene, 504 W. Main Street, North Manchester, IN 46962.  To send a private condolence to the Reed family, use the Condolence link on the Homepage.
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  RUTH H. ROWE, 86, NORTH MANCHESTER, IN

   

  Ruth H. Bendsen Rowe, 86, North Manchester, IN died at 7:25 p.m. Sunday, May 13, 2012 in Timbercrest Healthcare Center. She was born at Cook County, Illinois on August 15, 1925 to Danish immigrants, Neils & Ingegborg (Nyby) Bendsen.  Ruth was the youngest of six children including Olga Bendsen, Ellen Keim, Victor Bendsen, Marie Beahm Ebersole and Nell Von Ehr - all of whom preceded her in death.  The Bendsen children grew up in the shadow of Bethany Seminary, which Ruth always remembered fondly.  An active faith and connection with the Church have always been important to her.  Ruth met her husband, Jim Rowe, at Manchester College shortly before she graduated in 1947, and on June 11, 1949 they were married.  They have three children, Ken (Bonnee) Rowe, Myrtle Beach, SC; Karen (Randy) Roberts-Sare, North Manchester, IN; and Kay (David) Shain, Pataskala, OH.  Ruth and Jim have nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.  Also surviving are eleven nephews and nieces.   A Home Ec major, she dedicated her early years of marriage to caring for her family.  A great cook and caring mom, she was also an accomplished seamtress.  In 1969 she earned her Master's Degree and Teacher's certificate from Illinois State University, adding teacher to her list of achievements.  Jim and Ruth moved their family back to north central Indiana in 1969 where Jim taught math at Manchester College and Ruth taught fourth grade in North Webster for 20 years before retiring.  When they retired they built a home in Brown County, IN and bought the Gypsy Moon Flea Market, bringing them many years of enjoyment together before moving into Timbercrest Senior Living Community in April of 2001.  Participating in her faith community was always important to Ruth and so it is no surprise that she enjoyed singing in the Timbercrest Choir, leading hymn sings in healthcare, serving on the visitation committee, library committee and chapel planning committee.  She loved spending time with her family and was known for her hospitality.    Services will be held Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in Timbercrest Chapel, 2201 East Street, North Manchester, IN.  Friends and family may call one hour prior to the service at Timbercrest Chapel.  Arrangements are entrusted to McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, IN.  Pastor Kurt Borgmann and Joan Deeter will officiate and burial will follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, North Manchester, IN.  From those who wish to honor the memory of Ruth H. Bendsen Rowe, memorial contributions may be made to Timbercrest Senior Living Community, PO Box 501, North Manchester, IN 46962.  To send a private condolence to the Rowe family, use the Condolence link on the Homepage.
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  G. FREDERIC ROOP, 94, NORTH MANCHESTER, IN

   

  G. Frederic Roop, 94, North Manchester, IN died at 3:55 a.m. Wednesday, December 21, 2011 in Timbercrest Healthcare Center. He was born June 1, 1917 in Geneva, IN to George E. & Carrie (Lindsey) Roop.  On June 1, 1940 he married Lois Berkebile.  He retired in 1982 as personnel administrator of American Electric Power, Fort Wayne, IN. He was a member of the Personnel Club and Associated Churches Board both of Fort Wayne, IN and Manchester Church of the Brethren, North Manchester, IN and a former member of Lincolnshire Church of the Brethren, Fort Wayne, IN where he served as moderator for several years.  He is survived by his wife, Lois Roop, North Manchester, IN; one son, Eugene (Delora) Roop, Anderson, IN; two daughters, Mrs. Dan (Patricia) Burgette, Tetonia, WY and Mrs. John (Shirley) Mumy, Allendale, MI; one sister, Ruth Cordier, Paxton,IL; five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.  One brother and one grandchild are deceased.   Services January 7, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. at Timbercrest Chapel, 2201 East Street, North Manchester, IN. The family will receive friends following the service.  Pastor Kurt Borgmann will officiate. Private family burial will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, North Manchester, IN.  The family has entrusted McKee Mortuary, North Manchester, IN with final arrangements.  For those who wish to honor the memory of Frederic Roop, memorial contributions may be given to Timbercrest Senior Living Community, 2201 East Street, North Manchester, IN 46962 or Manchester College, 604 E. College Ave., North Manchester, IN 46962.  To sent a private condolence to the Roop family, use the Condolence link on the Homepage.
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  HELEN ROWE, 81, FORMERLY OF SOUTH WHITLEY, IN

   

  Helen Rowe, 81, Columbia City, IN formerly of South Whitley, IN died at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, December 1, 2011 in her residence. She was born January 1, 1930 in Royalton, KY to Hargis & Carsie (Salyers) Marshall.  On April 13, 1963 she married Rev. Dudley Rowe Sr. He died January 21, 2003.  Helen was employed at Chamberlin Products, South Whitley, IN for several years until 1976. She was a member of Northern Little Dove Old Regular Baptist Church, Sidney, IN. She was an avid reader and loved to read her Bible. She enjoyed painting on fabric that she would make pillow cases out of.  She would hand stitch quilts that she would give to her family.  Helen had written several songs and poems.  She is survived by two sons, Hargis Rowe, North Manchester, IN and Dudley Rowe Jr., Columbia City, IN; four daughters, Lori Cameron,Columbia City, IN, Margaret Jeanette Abbott, Pawnee, NE, Darlinda Rowe, Columbia City, IN and Brinda (James) Rowe, Columbia City, IN; one sister, Zaria Ann McKeever, Columbia City, IN; sixteen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.  One sister, Aveonell Barnett, is deceased.  Family and friends may call Tuesday, December 6, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 W, North Manchester, IN. Services will be Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary.  Burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery, South Whitley, IN. To send a private condolence to the Rowe family, use the Condolence link on the Homepage.
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  RALPH R. REIKEN, 99, NORTH MANCHESTER, IN

   

  Ralph R. Reiken, 99, North Manchester, IN died at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 23, 2011 in Timbercrest Healthcare Center, North Manchester, IN. He was born October 25, 1912 in Wabash County, IN to Tony W. & Cassie (Bomgarden) Reiken.  He wa a retired farmer and was territory manager for Clay Equipment, Fort Wayne, IN.  He was a member of First Brethren Church, North Manchester, IN. On April 1, 1944 he married Martha Marie Sutter. She died July 16, 2002. He is survived by one foster daughter, Donna (Larry) Neal, Grayslake, IL; one foster granddaughter, Deborah (Jeff) Winiger, Libertyville, IL; four nieces, Julie (Steve) Jones, Kinmundy, IL, Toni (Chuck) Miller, Mokena, IL, Susan (Jerry) Cunningham, Florida and Sharon Elliott, Wabash, IN and one nephew, Hans (Josephine) Harms, Wabash, IN. One foster granddaughter, Rebecca Neal, and three sisters are deceased.   Family and friends may call Sunday, November 27, 2011 from 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m. at Timbercrest Chapel, 2201 East Street, North Manchester, IN.  Services will be Sunday, November 27, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Timbercrest Chapel, 2201 East Street, North Manchester, IN.  Pastor Kurt Stout will officiate. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Servia, IN.  For those who wish to honor the memory of Ralph R. Reiken, memorial contributions may be made to First Brethren Church, 407 N. Sycamore Street, North Manchester, IN 46962.  To Send a private condolence to the Reiken family, use the Condolence link on the Homepage.
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  LOIS L. RAMEY, 86, FORMERLY OF NORTH MANCHESTER, IN

   

  Lois L. Ramey, 86, formerly of North Manchester, IN died at 5:25 a.m. Saturday, November 12, 2011 in Fountanview Terrace Golden Living Center, LaPorte, IN.  She was born at Pleasant Township, Wabash County, Indiana on March 30, 1925 to Ernest A. & Marie (Metzger) Floor.  On July 1, 1944 she married Jean R. Ramey.  He died October 24, 1975.  Survivng are two sons, Gregory (Lillian) Ramey, Kingman, AZ and George (Stephanie) Ramey, New Lenox, IL.  A daughter, Marcie Bradford, Michigan City, IN.  Seven grandchildren, Kathleen "Katie" Bradford, Beth (Robbie) Britton, Eric Bradford, Sean (Kate) Ramey, Joel Ramey, Ryan Ramey and Megan Ramey.  Also surviving are six great-grandchildren, three half sisters, Doris Lee Finn, Missouri, Pam Ward, Warsaw, IN and Mary Kay (Milt) Simmons, Michigan.  One half brother, Mark Floor, Maine.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two daughters, Deborah Kay & Kathy Marie Ramey, a grandchild, Jessica Marie Bradford, a sister, Evelyn Bush, a half brother, Ernest Douglas Floor and a special friend, Earl "Dutch" Shuster.  Lois was a 1944 graduate of Chester High School, member of the Exchangettes, Women of the Moose #935, Ladies of the VFW 2536 Auxiliary and R.S.V.P. where she served as president for 5 years.  She volunteered at St. Anthony Memorial and for the Red Cross and the blood mobile at St. John's United Church of Christ.  She enjoyed arts and crafts and spending time with her cats, "Mouse" &  "Angelica".   Services will be held Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, IN.  Friends and family may call one hour prior to the service at McKee's.  Pastor J.P. Freeman will officiate and burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, North Manchester, IN.  For those who wish to honor the memory of Lois Ramey, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimers Association, 50 E. 91st St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46209-4830.  To send a private condolence to the Ramey family, use the Condolence link on the Homepage.

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