Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services Obituaries

Understanding the Importance of Funeral Services

When a loved one passes away, it can be a difficult and emotional time for families and friends. During this challenging period, it's essential to have a trusted and compassionate funeral home to guide you through the process of saying goodbye. Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services, located at 502 N. Main Street, Auburn, IN, 46706, is a reputable and caring funeral home that provides personalized funeral services to families in need.

A Brief History of Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services

Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services has been serving the Auburn community for many years, providing dignified and respectful funeral services to families from all walks of life. The funeral home is built on a foundation of trust, compassion, and understanding, with a team of experienced professionals who are dedicated to helping families navigate the grieving process.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Jeri L. Cooney - August 15, 1945 - April 24, 2022

Departed: 04/24/2022 (Auburn)

Obituary Preview: Jeri L. Cooney, 76, of Auburn, died Sunday April 24, 2022 at home surrounded by her family. Jeri was born August 15, 1945, a daughter of the late Harold and Violet Moss. Jeri was the owner of Custom Stamp, Inc in Auburn for 19 years. She is survived by her husband, Larry G. Cooney of Auburn; daughter and son-in-law, Carrie L.  and Donald Bailey of Otsego, Michigan; granddaughter, Torrie R. (Michael) Strong of Angola; great grandson, Everett Strong; great granddaughter, Lucy Strong; sisters, Betty Barkley of Fort Wayne and Alexandra Zannis of Fort Wayne; she was preceded in death by her parents; and a daughter, Michele. A private family gathering will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to St. Martin’s Healthcare.

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Keith W. Scranton - March 14, 1943 - April 24, 2022

Departed: 04/24/2022 (Auburn)

Obituary Preview: Keith (Bill) William Scranton passed away Sunday, April 24, 2022.

On March 14, 1943, he was born in Hicksville, Ohio, to Darrell and Mildred (Nell) Scranton.

Keith graduated from Fairview High School in 1961. He then graduated from Defiance College with a degree in Accounting; received his Master's degree from Saint Francis University, Fort Wayne, Indiana; continued education at Bowling Green University, Ohio, in Distributive Education.

He and his wife Pamela (Nidlinger) Scranton were married on April 26, 1972. They just missed celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Surviving in addition to his wife are two sons, David (Kristen) Scranton of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Mark (Sarah) Scranton of Bloomington, Indiana; five grandchildren, Levi, Nyah, Bella, Kiera, and Wyatt. Keith was a faithful husband, devoted father, and loving grandfather.

Keith was an accountant at Campbell Foods, Napoleon, Ohio; Cooper's, Auburn, Indiana; Eagle Pitcher, Grabill, Indiana; and Trine University, Angola, Indiana.

Keith was a member of the Auburn Presbyterian Church. He was an active member of Warbirds. Also, a life member of the Farmer American Legion, Farmer, Ohio. He was an avid reader of World War II material, visiting various libraries. Keith served in the Ohio National Guard.

A visitation and remembrance of life will be at the Auburn Presbyterian Church, 111 W. 12th Street Auburn, Indiana, on Saturday, April 30, 2022. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM; the funeral will be at 2:00 PM.

Memorials may be made to Stillwater Hospice and Child Evangelism.

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Devin R. McLaughlin - May 30, 2003 - April 15, 2022

Departed: 04/15/2022 (Auburn)

Obituary Preview: Devin R. McLaughlin, 18, of Angola, died Friday April 15, 2022 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Devin was born May 30, 2003 in Auburn. Devin was a senior at Prairie Heights High School and participated on the football and wrestling teams. Devin enjoyed fishing, hunting, riding 4 wheelers and spending time outside. Devin also worked at Four County Hardscape & Construction. He is survived by his mother, Lori McLaughlin of Paintsville, Kentucky; brothers, Daltin (Jamie) McLaughlin of Angola, Dillon McLaughlin of Angola and Daren McLaughlin of Coldwater; sisters, Chelsea McLaughlin of Camden, Michigan and Kaylynn McLaughlin of Angola; grandmother, Carol Sumner of Waterloo; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, James E. McLaughlin; grandfather, Everett McLaughlin; grandmother, Sandy Babinger.  Funeral services for Devin will be held Thursday 5:30 p.m. at New Hope Christian Center 900 S. Wayne Street Waterloo, IN. Visitation will also be held on Thursday from 1:30 to 5:30 at the church. Pastor Adam Diehl will be officiating.  Memorial donations may be made to the funeral home to help the family with expenses. Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services 502 N. Main Street, Auburn is assisting the McLaughlin family with arrangements. You may view a live stream of the service on Devin’s obituary at www.pinningtonfh.com.

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David Paul Walter - Unknown - April 10, 2022

Departed: 04/10/2022 (Auburn)

Obituary Preview: David Paul Walter, Architect, 71, of Bloomington, died Sunday, April 10, 2022 at his residence. He was born August 8, 1950 in Auburn, Indiana and was an Eagle Scout. David graduated in 1968 from DeKalb High School and married classmate and love of his life, Carol Janet Williams, in 1986 in Beck Chapel on the Indiana University campus.

He studied architecture at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, which included a year at the Architecture Association in London, England. He joined Kappa Sigma fraternity and graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1973. He volunteered for VISTA in 1974 and worked for East Side Housing, a non-profit, low-income housing developer in Decatur, Illinois. He then designed nursing homes for Americana Healthcare in Monticello, Illinois. In 1979 he became a licensed architect in the states of Illinois and Indiana. Several fortunate events resulted in David being hired by Indiana University Facilities in 1980. He was an Associate University Architect and was still actively working. During his career David oversaw restoration and repairs of IU’s historic buildings including McCalla School, Kirkwood Observatory, Wylie House, Legg House, the Rose Well House, and Kirkwood Hall.

As a member of Bloomington Restorations, Inc. he worked on the BRI Affordable Housing Committee. Appointed by the Bloomington City Council to the Redevelopment Commission for over 35 years, David assisted in the development of B-Line Trail, Switchyard Park, Trades District and Block Grant funding for community projects.

His private practice work included rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of Scholar’s Rock, Princess Theater, Malibu Grille, Trojan Horse, 10th & Grant and Bedrak Cafe` in Bloomington. David leaves a legacy of good work done for the benefit of all.

David was also a member of Monroe County History Center, Council of Neighborhood Associations, Indiana Landmarks, Indiana Historical Society, Hoosier MG’s and a Trustee at Fairview United Methodist Church. He enjoyed swimming, boating, working on MG’s (little British sports cars), carpentry, photography, downhill skiing, Indiana State Parks, good food and beer, music, live performances, and travel to Europe – especially London, which he considered as a second home town.

He was preceded in death by his father, Paul E. Walter, his mother, E. Pauline Blickenstaff, and his stepfather, C.W. “Red” Blickenstaff.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Walter, daughters Diane Payne and Deborah (Ben) Fogt, brother Stephen (Ruth) Walter, and their families.

Cremation Rites have been accorded.

A Memorial Service to Honor David’s life will be held at 2 pm Saturday, April 23, 2022, at The Funeral Chapel of Powell and Deckard, 3000 E. Third St. Bloomington, with visitation from 10 am until service time.

Memorial Services will also be held in David’s hometown of Auburn, Indiana on May 7, 2022 at Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services, 502 N. Main St. Auburn, IN. at 2 pm with visitation from Noon until the service time at 2. Burial of David’s Ashes will follow at Cedar Creek Cemetery,Auburn.

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Ronald Lee Vettese - January 08, 1948 - April 09, 2022

Departed: 04/09/2022 (Auburn)

Obituary Preview: Vettese, Ronald Lee, “Ron”, age 74, passed on Saturday, April 9th, 2022.  Ron was a decorated Vietnam Veteran who was awarded the distinguished Purple Heart.  He loved his family and had many skills/talents.  He was a hobbyist who built model planes, trains, cars and boats. He liked muscle cars and even restored a few.  Ron loved music, had a great sense of humor and loved a nice glass of wine.  His most notable accomplishments were raising his 2 daughters and serving his country in the military. Despite the many health issues he had in his later years, he maintained a passion for life and spending time with his immediate family.

Ron was the much-loved father of Sandra and her husband Stephen Barbat and Jennifer and her husband Andrew Allison and his little dog Teddie. He was the proud grandfather to Brendan Allison and Rachel Barbat.  He is also survived by his sisters Donna (Robert) Reighard and Betty (Bruce) Gillanders and brothers Jim (Mary) Vettese, Robert (Jeanette) Roberson and John Roberson and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents Rose and Peter, his brother Richie and nephew Anthony.

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Shirley Alice Tiedje - March 27, 1935 - March 30, 2022

Departed: 03/30/2022 (Auburn)

Obituary Preview: Shirley Alice Tiedje, a devoted and beloved wife of the late William Tiedje, mother of Jeannette (Billy) Harmon, Winchester, KY, grandmother of Katie (William) Shifflet, Winchester, KY, Melinda (Jamie) Sparks, Winchester, KY, four great-grandsons and sister and caretaker Terri (John) Freudenberger, Bryan, OH. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, family members and friends.

Shirley A. Tiedje was born on March 27, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Alice and John Weiland who immigrated from Latvia. On March 30, 2022, she left for her place in Heaven when she was called “home” while surrounded by her loving family at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne, Indiana. She was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Lois Weiland.

She graduated from Proviso East High School, Maywood, Illinois and Roosevelt College. Shirley and her husband William owned and operated Franklin Rug and Carpet Mart, for 28 years in Maywood, Illinois. They were 30 year members of Maywood Sportsman’s Club, Elmhurst, Illinois, and the National Rifle Association. An avid trap shooter, Shirley won the Illinois Women’s Sate Championship in trap shooting and traveled to many national meets around the country to compete in tournaments with her husband. Private services were held and burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Huntley, Illinois.

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Michael E. King - October 19, 1947 - March 28, 2022

Departed: 03/28/2022 (Auburn)

Obituary Preview: Michael E. King, 74, of Garrett, died Monday March 28, 2022 at his home. Michael was born October 19, 1947 in Fort Wayne, a son of the late Everett and Edith King. Michael was a United States Army veteran serving in Vietnam. Michael had worked at Navistar for 30 years. He attended Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Kendallville. Michael enjoyed fishing, gardening and spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife, Coleen King of Garrett; sons, Joshua King of Garrett and Michael Shannon King of Fort Wayne; daughters, Crystle King of Sidney, Ohio, Sara King of Garrett and Roberta Coulson of Butler; brothers, Leo King of Fort Wayne, Ronald King of Fort Wayne, and Donald King of New Haven; sisters, Sharon White of Monroeville and Sue McAtee of Fort Wayne. 18 grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Glen Landis, Jerry Landis, Jack Landis and Merrill Landis; sisters, Barb Landis, Dixie Emenhiser and Connie Bonjour. A memorial service for Michael will be held 2 p.m. with visitation one hour prior on Saturday, April, 9, 2022 at Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services 502 N. Main Street, Auburn. Memorial visitation will also be held on Friday April 8, 2022 from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be held in Woodlawn Cemetery, Auburn.  Memorial donations may be made to the family.

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Robert L Clowser - Unknown - March 21, 2022

Departed: 03/21/2022 (Auburn)

Obituary Preview: Robert L. Clowser, 83 of Auburn, died Monday March 21, 2022 at home.  Robert was born August 15, 1938 in Fort Wayne to Dwight and Bernice Clowser. Robert worked as the parts manager at Hefner Chevrolet and then MidWest Auto Parts.  Robert was a simple man that liked to work and spend time at the lake. He is survived by his son Dale Clowser of Auburn, grandsons: Robert (Sarah) Clowser and Kyle Clowser of Fort Wayne and 2 great grandsons. Robert was preceded in death by his wife Nancy, son Wade, and his parents.  The funeral service for Robert will be held on Monday, March 28, 2022 at 12:00pm at Pinnington Funeral and Cremation Services, 502 N. Main St., Auburn, with a visitation from 10am-12pm prior to the services. Memorial donations may be made to an organization of your choice in Robert’s honor. To sign the online guest book, visit www.pinningtonfh.com.

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Barbara J Davis - March 01, 1933 - March 01, 2022

Departed: 03/01/2022 (Auburn)

Obituary Preview: Barbara J. Davis of Auburn, Indiana, died on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at Parkview DeKalb Hospital.

Barb was born on March 1, 1933, in Auburn to Raymond S. and Ruby L. King. they preceded her in death.

Barb loved her Lord, and was a founding and active member of the Auburn Alliance Church.

She was employed for many years at the Waterloo Post Office.

Barb enjoyed camping and spending time with family and friends.

She married Robert J. Shuherk Sr., on Feb. 10, 1951, and is survived by their children, Robert J. Shuherk (Mary), of Corunna, Michel L. Shuherk (Anne), of Auburn, Michelle A. (Tony Burt) Shuherk, of St. Louis, Missouri, and William R. (Sherri) Shuherk, of St. Michael, Minnesota. Barb’s grandchildren are Brandy (Ray) Draper, of Fort Wayne, Jennifer (Matt) Schaffer, of Corunna, Cassie (Emma) Shuherk, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Chad Roberts, of Auburn, Kathryn (Cameron) Haley, of Fishers, Indiana, Nathan Shuherk of Fishers, Indiana, Ryan Shuherk, of Mayport, Florida, Joshua (Jessica) Peters, of Moyock, North Carolina, Rachelle Wilson, of Crestone, Colorado, David (Ellen) Shuherk, of Fort Wayne, Amy (John) Yoder, of Fort Wayne, Maddison Shuherk, of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, Cole Shuherk, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Ella Shuherk, of Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Barb was married in January 1975, to William F. Davis, and he preceded her in death on Dec. 13, 2012.

Barb is also survived by a stepdaughter, Sally (Mike) Doersam, of Pushlink, Ontario, Canada, and James Davis, of Kissimmee, Florida; as well as two step-grandchildren, Mikela Burrows and Heather Sparkman.

A funeral service for Barb will be held at 3 p.m., with visitation three hours prior from noon to 3 p.m., on Monday, March 7, 2022, at Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services, located at 502 N. Main St., in Auburn.

The Rev. Clare Jewell will be officiating and burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Auburn.

Memorial donations may be made to Auburn Alliance Church.

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Joy Lee Zeigler Taylor - Unknown - February 21, 2022

Departed: 02/21/2022 (Auburn)

Obituary Preview: Joy Lee Zeigler Taylor, 60, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on Monday, Feb. 21, 2022.

Joy was born on Feb. 25, 1961, in Butler, Indiana, the third child of Robert and Karen Billings Zeigler.

Joy was an Eastside High School graduate and a four-year varsity cheerleader and was active in baton. She was also a talented ventriloquist and won the Miss DeKalb County Pageant.

She went to work for an Indianapolis talent agency with her dummy, Lester, and was on the Jerry Lewis Telethon. She then was offered the lead talent act for the Harlem Globetrotters, which she turned down because she was just out of high school.

She married Clint Taylor in a double wedding with her sister, Michelle, in Butler, and then they moved to Naples, Florida.

She continued to entertain with her dummy, Lester, at different supper clubs and other venues in Naples, and she also did television commercials. Joy was also a long-time employee of the DAgostino Family Restaurants in Florida.

Joy contracted cancer in 2016, and shortly after, moved back to Fort Wayne to be closer to her mother and brother.

Joy was a woman of faith, and was looking forward to her move to heaven. One of Joy’s greatest accomplishments in life was that all three of her children graduated from college. She is survived by her children, Jenna Taylor, of Boston, Massachusetts, Dr. Drew (Dr. Natalia) Taylor, of Carbondale, Colorado, and Dane (Alexandria) Taylor, of Boca Raton, Florida; mother, Karen Schaab, of Hamilton; brother, Michael Zeigler, of Fort Wayne; grandsons, Thomas Nash, Damien Dane and Leo; stepsister, Jonelle Schaab; and stepbrothers, Fred and Chris Schaab;

She was preceded in death by her sister, Michelle Marie Racy; father, Robert Zeigler; and stepfather, Jerome “Jerry” Schaab.

A memorial service will be held in the spring.

Memorials may be made to Butler United Methodist Church.

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Priscilla T. Lonaberger - Unknown - February 21, 2022

Departed: 02/21/2022 (Auburn)

Obituary Preview: Priscilla T. Lonaberger, 90, of Auburn, died Thursday February 17, 2022 at her home. Priscilla was born August 18, 1931 in Reading, Pennsylvania, a daughter of the late George and Agnes Wancho. She is survived by a daughter, Terry Ann Lonaberger of Auburn; sons, Robert Gerald Lonaberger Jr. of Reading, and Gene Michael Lonaberger of Reading. Burial and services will be held at Gethsemane Cemetery in Reading, Pennsylvania.

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Sean Evan Woodraska - April 04, 1989 - February 17, 2022

Departed: 02/17/2022 (Auburn)

Obituary Preview: Sean Evan Woodraska, 32, of Angola, passed away Thursday February 17, 2022 at home. Sean was born April 4, 1989 in Eugene, Oregon. Sean enjoyed reading, war history, and watching cooking shows. He was also a big journal writer, master of technology and the family fact checker. He was a soft hearted and selfless person that was always looking for a way to help others and he will be truly missed by his family. He is survived by his parents, Peggy and Jessie Hogsett; sons, Nikola and Ruxin; siblings, David, Joseph, James, Mark, Tiffany, Amber, Jessie, Casey and their families; girlfriend; Tiaotta; and mother of his children, Brittany. A memorial gathering will be held on his birthday, April 4, 2022 and details of the gathering will be announced.

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Elizabeth "Tiz" A. Pepple - December 03, 1946 - February 11, 2022

Departed: 02/11/2022 (Auburn)

Obituary Preview: Elizabeth “Tiz” Ann Pepple (Alley), 75 of Wall Lake, died Friday February 11, 2022 at home holding her loving husband’s hand. Tiz was born December 3, 1946 in Garrett, a daughter of the late Walter “Bud” and Delores “Dee” (Boren) Alley. She worked at DeKalb Memorial Hospital, CompraCare, and Innotek. Tiz was an avid pool player who played in Auburn, Garrett, and Fort Wayne leagues. Throughout her pool career, she won several tournaments. Tiz treasured her time with her family and friends. She was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Auburn American Legion, and a member of the Auburn Moose Family Center. She is survived by her husband Jerry Pepple of Wall Lake; daughters, Dawn Good of Auburn and Holly (Alan) Moloney of Auburn; son, Lance Pepple of Wall Lake; sister, Lynne (Scott) MacDonald of Lake Gage; brother-in-law, Ron Grable of Orland ; grandchildren, Chesarae (Alex Knight) Pepple; Skylar (Mandy) Burney, Connor Paul, Deirdre Moloney, and Caylin (Nick) McCurdy; great grandchildren, Jaycee, Rheid, and Paisley Burney; She was preceded in death by her brother David Alley; a sister, Nan Grable; and a  great grandson, Kamden Burney. A memorial service for Tiz will be held 11:30 a.m. Saturday Feb. 19, 2022 with visitation two hours prior from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services 502 N. Main Street, Auburn. Memorial donations may be made to DeKalb Humane Society or the Alzheimer’s Association. To watch a livestream of the memorial service for Tiz, visit her online obituary at www.pinningtonfh.com.

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William H. Rennecker - November 11, 1952 - February 04, 2022

Departed: 02/04/2022 (Auburn)

Obituary Preview: William H. Rennecker, 69, of Auburn, died Friday Feb. 4th, 2022 at his home. William was born November 11, 1952, a son of the late Harvey and Eunice Rennecker. William was a member of Cedar Lake Church of the Brethren.  He was a graduate of Eastside High School and Ivy Tech College. William was an artist and enjoyed painting along with spending time at the YMCA. He is survived by many extended family members. A memorial gathering will be held from 2:30-4:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 19th, 2022 at Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services 502 N.  Main Street, Auburn. A Private burial will be held in Corunna Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Brethren Volunteer Service or the YMCA of DeKalb County.

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Corky Miller - September 08, 1926 - February 04, 2022

Departed: 02/04/2022 (Auburn)

Obituary Preview: Coryll “Corky” Miller, 95, of Fort Wayne, died Friday February 4, 2022 at Ashton Creek Health & Rehabilitation in Fort Wayne. Corky was born September 8, 1926 in Fort Wayne, a daughter of the late Ralph and Luella McQueen. Corky was a 1944 graduate of Elmhurst High School and was a member of   Robinson Chapel United Methodist Church, Fort Wayne.  Corky was best known in the Fort Wayne area for working in shoe sales for 58 years serving generations of families. She also opened Buster Brown Children’s Shoe Store in Southtown Mall in 1969. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Deborah Miller of Fort Wayne; daughter, Sandra McMurtrie of Fort Wayne; brother, Duane McQueen of Fort Wayne; sister, Janice Gatke of Angola; 5 grandchildren, Wendy (Kris) Lane-Ginder, Bryan (Kendra) Lane, Amy (Jeff) Lane Burton and Matthew (June) Miller.; 9 great grandchildren; and one great great grandson. She was preceded in death by a grandson, Jeffrey Miller; and a great great grandson, Levi Ginder; and two brothers, Ralph McQueen Jr. and Leslie McQueen. A private family service will be held. Rev. Dr. Randy McQueen will be officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Robinson Chapel United Methodist Church or Heartland Hospice.

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Grady B Holifield - July 20, 1944 - February 01, 2022

Departed: 02/01/2022 (Auburn)

Obituary Preview: Grady B. Holifield, 77, of Garrett, died Tuesday February 1, 2022 at The Laurels of DeKalb in Butler. Grady was born July 20, 1944 in Lackey, Kentucky. Grady was a veteran of the United States Army and had worked at Auburn Gear. Grady was a member of the Garrett American Legion Post 178 at the Garrett Eagles 1357. He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Gary Cantrell of Paintsville, Kentucky; two grandchildren, Alexis and Austin Cantrell; half-sister, Nadine Kuhn of Ohio; former wife Vickie Holifield of Garrett. He was preceded in death by his father, Grady Holifield; mother, Edith Holifield; and a sister, Patricia Vanauken. No services will be held for Mr. Holifield. Arrangements by Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services 502 N. Main Street, Auburn. To sign the online guest book, visit www.pinningtonfh.com.

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Michael Emery Sprague - December 11, 1948 - January 30, 2022

Departed: 01/30/2022 (Auburn)

Obituary Preview: Michael E. Sprague, 73, of Fort Wayne, died Sunday, January 30, 2022 at his winter home in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida. Mike was born December 11, 1948 in Auburn. Mike was Director of  Data Center Operations for Lincoln Life Insurance and IBM for 32 years. Family was his everything and if you weren't family, he sure did make you feel like it if you were a friend. He met the love of his life whom he married 52 years ago. What a beautiful love they have. If you saw one, you were sure to see the other; from vacations to the Yogi Bear Campground to Cedar Point or to the DeKalb County Fair, they were always together. These past few years, while they spent the winter in Florida, he grew to love the Florida sunrises and sunsets and was so excited to share the beauty he captured. As a father, he was hands down their biggest cheerleader, pushing them to always do their best and making them feel like they were the best, even if they didn't believe it themselves. He was their hero and one of the smartest men they knew. As a grandfather, multiply that by 1,000. He was so proud of his grandkids. He would beam with pride when talking about any one of them. He was the type of person to give the shirt off his back or his last dollar to those in need. Many would describe him as kind, thoughtful, respectful, caring, loving, a true gentleman. Not only was he these things, but he was a jokester at heart which he learned honestly from his own father. Many will remember the "old man" mask he used to scare the daylights out of ya. He will be so deeply missed. He is survived by his wife, Rita Sprague of Fort Wayne; daughters and sons-in-law, Jennifer and Jeff VanderWeele  of Fort Wayne and Heather and Richard Dawson of Martinsville; mother, Alverta Sprague of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Caleb (Ashley) Smith of Fort Wayne, Madelyn Dawson of Martinsville, Carter Dawson of Martinsville and Owen VanderWeele of Fort Wayne; sister and brother-in-law, Kim and Dave Cox of Angola; He was preceded in death by his father, Orval Emery Sprague; and two grandchildren. Funeral service for Mike will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday February 12, 2022 at Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services 502 N. Main Street, Auburn. Visitation will also be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the funeral home. Rev. Andy Grimes will be officiating. Memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society or Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital. m.

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Calvin C. Carnahan - March 01, 1940 - January 06, 2022

Departed: 01/06/2022 (Auburn)

Obituary Preview: Calvin Carlisle Carnahan, age 81, Cedar Lake, Howe, died Thursday, January 6, 2022 at Parkview LaGrange Hospital.

He was born March 1, 1940, in Garrett, Indiana, son of the late Omer Carlisle Carnahan and Naomi Veda (Myers) Carnahan.

Calvin was raised on the family farm in Butler Township, DeKalb County, Indiana, which he still owned. He served in the U.S. Army, 1962-1965, at Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas, during the Vietnam War as instructor of NATO students on surface-to-air defense missiles. He was a graduate of Purdue University and Indiana Institute of Technology, with BS degrees in Electrical Engineering and Engineering Management. He was a staff engineer at General Electric in Ft. Wayne, Director of Engineering at Ensign Electric, and retired as an Engineering Team Leader at Lockheed Missiles and Space in Sunnyvale, CA. He was past President of the local chapter of IEEE and served on the Board of Directors of the LaGrange Clothes and Food Basket, where he also volunteered. Calvin was a member of St. Andrew Evangelical Presbyterian Church, and served as Missions Elder in several Presbyterian Churches before retiring back to Indiana. He was a life member of Purdue Alumni Association, NRA, and American Legion.

He was married September 15, 1962, to Miriam Sue Harter, a neighbor he met when he was 10 years old and with whom he celebrated 59 years of marriage. Calvin enjoyed fishing and fishing trips with friends, hunting, and traveling this country and 17 countries around the world with his wife.

Surviving are his wife, and two children, Todd Alan Carnahan, Howe, and Melisa Carnahan (Stanley) Crosley, Fishers; 5 grandchildren: Rachel (Samuel) Lyons, Pasadena, CA; Abigail (Nathaniel) Dehmlow, Washington DC; Daniel Takano Carnahan, Noblesville; Jacob Carlisle Crosley, Fishers; and Kristen Fuyami Carnahan, Noblesville; and a sister Marjorie Carnahan Newfer, Auburn.

A memorial service including military honors conducted by the United States Army and American Legion Post 97 for Calvin will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday January 21, 2022 at Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services 502 N. Main Street, Auburn. Memorial visitation will be held two hours prior to the service from 12-2 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to “everystudent.com”, a ministry for which Calvin volunteered before his illness, using the link https://www.everystudent.com/donate/.  Burial will be held in Cedar Creek Cemetery, Auburn. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.pinningtonfh.com

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Brenda M. Oliver - May 14, 1948 - December 24, 2021

Departed: 12/24/2021 (Auburn)

Obituary Preview: Brenda M. Oliver, 73, of Auburn, died Friday December 24, 2021 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Brenda was born May 14, 1948 in Phoenix, Arizona. She was a graduate of Tempe High School in Tempe, Arizona and Oakland City University. Brenda was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Kendallville. She was a contract agent for the United States Government and had worked at Stout Army Air Field in Indianapolis from 1987-2015. Brenda enjoyed movies and games but most of all, spending time with her family. Brenda is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Susie and J.B. Samuelson of Auburn; sister and brother-in-law, Lisa and Chris Helpling of Fishers; a brother, James Simpson of Anderson; half-sister, Samantha Simpson of Arizona; grandchildren, Jacob Samuelson of Auburn and Emily Samuelson of Auburn; two aunts; nieces and nephews; and several cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Newton Simpson; mother and step-father, Gloria and Loyd Holtzclaw; a sister, Tina Kurtz; and an infant brother. Funeral service for Brenda will be held 1 p.m. Thursday with visitation two hours prior from 11-1 p.m. at Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services 502 N. Main Street, Auburn. Burial will be held in Woodlawn Cemetery, Auburn. Memorial donations may be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints or to the American Heart Association. To sign the online guest book, visit www.pinningtonfh.com.

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Doris A. Wessel - June 21, 1933 - December 16, 2021

Departed: 12/16/2021 (Auburn)

Obituary Preview: Doris A. Wessel, 88, of Auburn, died Thursday December, 16, 2021 at the Cedars in Leo. Doris was born June 21, 1933 in Richmond, a daughter of the late Harry and Ruth German. Doris was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and sang in the choir. She was also a member of the DeKalb County Choir and was a volunteer with her therapy dog Maggie at Butler Elementary and Riverdale Elementary.  She is survived by two sons, George Wessel Jr. of Spencerville and Anthony (Monica) Wessel of Fults, IL; two daughters, Teresa (Bill) Gauspohl of Saint Joe and Rachel (John) Moor of Fort Wayne; seven grandchildren, Wilhelm Wessel, Alexander Wessel, Katherine Moor, Emily (Tyler) Nichols (Moor), Alyssa Moor, Michael (Carina) Sarrazin and Jenny (Cody) Lloyd (Sarrazin); and five great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Wessel; and a sister, Emma Orr. Funeral mass will be held 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior on Monday, December 27th 2021 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 500 E. Seventh Street, Auburn. Recital of the rosary will be held 9:30 am on Monday December 27th at the church.  Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Burial will be held in Saint Andrew's Cemetery, Richmond.

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Kim Vendrely - June 24, 1955 - December 13, 2021

Departed: 12/13/2021 (Auburn)

Obituary Preview: Kim Vendrely, 66, of Auburn, died Monday December, 13, 2021 at The Laurel's of DeKalb in Butler. Kim was born June 24, 1955 in Spencerville. No services will be held for Kim.

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George J. Wessel - May 02, 1930 - December 12, 2021

Departed: 12/12/2021 (Auburn)

Obituary Preview: George J. Wessel, 91, of Auburn, died Sunday December 12, 2021 at  The Cedars in Leo. George was born May 2, 1930 in Richmond, a son of the late George and Antonia Wessel. George was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He was a Pattern maker for International Harvester. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the SCCA Fort Wayne Region Social Club. He is survived by his wife Doris Wessel; two sons, George Wessel Jr. of Spencerville and Anthony (Monica) Wessel of Fults, IL; two daughters, Teresa (Bill) Gauspohl of Saint Joe and Rachel (John) Moor of Fort Wayne; seven grandchildren, Wilhelm Wessel, Alexander Wessel, Katherine Moor, Emily (Tyler) Nichols (Moor), Alyssa Moor, Michael (Carina) Sarrazin and Jenny (Cody) Lloyd (Sarrazin); and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a half-brother, Raymond Wessel. Funeral mass will be held 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior on Monday, December 27th 2021 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 500 E. Seventh Street, Auburn. Recital of the rosary will be held 9:30 am on Monday December 27th at the church. Memorial donations may be made to Quiet Knight, Inc. Burial will be held in Saint Andrew's Cemetery, Richmond.

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Myrna Lou Fettig - October 13, 1931 - December 11, 2021

Departed: 12/11/2021 (Auburn)

Obituary Preview: Myrna Lou Fettig, 90, formerly of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, December 11, 2021.  Myrna was born on October 13, 1931, in Elwood, Indiana to the late Harold DeLong and Delores Haines DeLong. She was preceded in death by her twin sister Sherry Sue, brother, Jerome DeLong, daughter Melissa Fettig Pierce and grandchildren Joslynn and Angela. Myrna is survived by two daughters, Maureen Briones, South Bend, Indiana, and Laura (Walt) Terlosky of Butler, Indiana and three sons, Mark of Butler, Indiana, Matthew (Marsha) of Kokomo, Indiana,Jonathan (Kay) of  Ft. Wayne, Indiana and Keith of Citrus Heights, California; grandchildren,Chris(Sofia), Doug(Erica), Jason(Sarah), Jenna(Darius), Nicole(Mark), Veronica and Savanna(Kalee); She will also be missed by 9 great-grandchildren. Myrna started her career at Olan Mills in club plan sales then became a photographer opening numerous studios and training future photographers throughout her long and successful career. She also  managed the Fort Wayne-Northcrest location for many years. She spent her life making her family and spirituality her priority. She studied at Camp Chesterfield and became an ordained minister through United Metaphysical Churches on October 10, 2004. Myrna enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and always had an open door policy at her home. She has made an impact on many lives over the years and will be missed by many including those who she loved as her own. A celebration of life is being planned for the spring.

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Mabel Charlene Aborn - March 25, 1939 - December 10, 2021

Departed: 12/10/2021 (Auburn)

Obituary Preview: Mabel Charlene Aborn, 82, of Auburn, passed away on Friday December 10, 2021 at Sacred Heart Village in Avilla. Mabel was born March 25, 1939 in Elwood, a daughter of the late Chester and Ina Cox. Mabel retired from Rieke Corporation. Mabel enjoyed checkers, cards, family dinners, vacations, John Wayne, watching western movies, reading and spending time at Eckhart Public Library.  She is survived by three daughters and two sons-in-law, Virginia Feasel of Garrett, Robin and Scott Minnick of Auburn and Lonie and James Ellert of Auburn; a brother, Harold Cox of Alexandria; sisters, Judy Hartzell of Anderson and Barbara Hornback of Middletown; grandsons, Donald Cousino, Brian Cousino, Robert (Kirstan) Aborn, Michael (Lindsay) Ellert and Tyler (Gabriel) Ellert; 12 great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert O. Aborn in 1981; and a brother, Billy Cox. Funeral service for Mabel will be held 1 p.m. with visitation one hour prior on Tuesday December 14, 2021 at Pinnington Funeral &Cremation Services 502 N. Main Street, Auburn.  Visitation will also be held on Monday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Auburn, IN. Pastor Tracey Zimmerman will be officiating. Memorial donations may be made to DeKalb Humane Society.

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Christine Anne Cross - February 22, 1950 - December 09, 2021

Departed: 12/09/2021 (Auburn)

Obituary Preview: Christine Anne (Woodcock-Reynolds) Cross, 71, of Garrett, died Thursday December 9, 2021 at her home surrounded by her family. Christine was born February 22, 1950 in Garrett and raised in Auburn. She was involved in Girl Scouts in DeKalb County from 1979-1987. She enjoyed bowling, riding her motorcycle and spending time with her grandchildren. She was a professional school bus driver for DeKalb Central United School District and for West Ottawa Public Schools in Holland, MI. She is survived by sons,  Arthur “AJ” (Erin) Reynolds of Garrett and Nathan Reynolds of Lexington, South Carolina; Step-son, Jeffrey (Renee) Cross of Holland, MI; step-daughter, Pamela ( Tommy) DeVries of Holland, MI; brother, Charles (Bonnie) Woodcock; sisters, Susan Thomas and Alice Rice; 14 grandchildren; one great grandchild; and one great grandchild on the way; significant other, Larry Duncan; She was preceded in death by husband  David Cross; parents, Arthur C. and Elizabeth Woodcock; daughter, Elizabeth Reynolds; brother, Arthur R. Woodcock. A graveside funeral service for Christine will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday December 15, 2021 at Cedar Creek Cemetery, Auburn. Rev. David Lawrence will be officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana or DeKalb Humane Society.

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Personalized Funeral Services

At Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services, every family is unique, and every funeral service is tailored to meet their individual needs and preferences. From traditional funeral services to cremation options, the funeral home offers a range of services designed to honor the life and legacy of your loved one. The experienced staff will work closely with you to create a personalized tribute that reflects the personality, interests, and accomplishments of your loved one.

Cremation Options

In recent years, cremation has become an increasingly popular choice for families. Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services offers a range of cremation options, including direct cremation, cremation with a memorial service, and traditional cremation with a visitation. The funeral home's crematory is located on-site, ensuring that your loved one is cared for with dignity and respect throughout the entire process.

Facilities and Amenities

The funeral home's facilities are designed to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere for families and friends to gather and celebrate the life of their loved one. The spacious chapel can accommodate large crowds, while the comfortable visitation rooms provide an intimate setting for smaller gatherings. Additional amenities include a selection of caskets, urns, and burial containers, as well as a wide range of funeral merchandise.

Pre-Planning Services

While it may seem difficult to think about planning a funeral in advance, pre-planning can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services offers pre-planning services that allow you to make informed decisions about your final arrangements, ensuring that your wishes are respected and your family is protected from unnecessary stress.

Supporting Families Through Grief

Losing a loved one can be a devastating experience, but it's essential to remember that you're not alone. Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services understands the importance of supporting families through grief and offers a range of resources to help you cope with your loss. From bereavement support groups to online grief resources, the funeral home is committed to helping you heal and find closure.

Serving the Auburn Community

Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services is proud to serve the Auburn community and surrounding areas. The funeral home's experienced staff is dedicated to providing exceptional service to families in need, while also supporting local charities and organizations that benefit the community. By choosing Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services, you can rest assured that you're supporting a business that cares deeply about the people it serves.

Contacting Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services

If you're in need of funeral services or would like more information about pre-planning or cremation options, please don't hesitate to contact Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services. You can reach the funeral home by phone or visit their website to learn more about their services and facilities. Remember, during difficult times, it's essential to have a trusted partner by your side – Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services is here to support you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and other biographical information. It may also include details about their life, accomplishments, and surviving family members.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to inform friends, family, and community members of a person's passing, allowing them to pay their respects and offer condolences. They also provide a permanent record of a person's life and legacy.

Who writes an obituary?

Typically, a family member or close friend of the deceased writes the obituary. In some cases, a funeral home or newspaper may assist with writing the obituary.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, military service, hobbies, and surviving family members. It may also include details about their life, achievements, and personality.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary, but it's usually between 100-500 words. The most important information should be included in the first few sentences, with additional details provided later in the obituary.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many newspapers and online obituary platforms allow you to include one or more photos with the obituary. This can help bring the person's memory to life and make the tribute more personal.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper?

Contact the newspaper's obituary department or website to learn about their submission process and guidelines. You may need to provide the written obituary, along with payment for publication.

Can I write my own obituary?

Yes, it's becoming increasingly popular for people to write their own obituaries before they pass away. This can be a therapeutic exercise and ensure that your life story is told in your own words.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies depending on the newspaper or online platform. Some newspapers charge by the word or line, while others offer package deals. Online platforms may offer free or low-cost options.

Can I edit an obituary after it's been published?

In most cases, it's not possible to make changes to an obituary once it's been published in print. However, online obituaries may allow for corrections or updates.

How long does it take for an obituary to be published?

The timeframe for publishing an obituary varies depending on the newspaper or platform. Some may publish immediately online, while print publications may take several days or weeks.

Can I request corrections to an obituary?

If you notice errors or inaccuracies in an obituary, contact the newspaper or platform where it was published. They will work with you to correct the mistakes.

What is a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of a person's passing, typically including only basic information such as name, age, and date of death. It's often used when a full obituary is not desired or feasible.

Can I include humor in an obituary?

Absolutely! Humor can be a wonderful way to celebrate a person's life and personality. Just be sure to keep the tone respectful and avoid offending any family members or friends.

How do I find old obituaries?

You can search online archives of newspapers or genealogy websites like Ancestry.com or Newspapers.com. Local libraries or historical societies may also have archives of old newspapers.

Can I republish an old obituary?

If you want to republish an old obituary, check with the original publisher or copyright holder for permission. You may need to obtain permission from family members or estates as well.

What is a living obituary?

A living obituary is a written tribute to someone who is still alive. It's often used to honor a person's achievements and contributions while they are still able to appreciate it.

Can I include quotes or lyrics in an obituary?

Absolutely! Quotes, lyrics, or poems can add depth and meaning to an obituary. Choose something that resonates with the person's personality or spirit.

How do I handle sensitive information in an obituary?

If you're unsure about including sensitive information such as cause of death or personal struggles, consider consulting with family members or close friends. Be respectful and tactful in your approach.

Can I include charitable donations in lieu of flowers?

Yes! Many families prefer memorial donations to charities instead of flowers. Be sure to specify the charity and any relevant details in the obituary.

What if I don't know much about the person who passed away?

If you're struggling to write an obituary due to limited knowledge about the person, consider reaching out to friends, family members, or acquaintances who may be able to provide more information.

Can I write an obituary for a pet?

Absolutely! Pet owners often consider their pets part of the family and want to honor their memory with a written tribute. Online platforms and pet-specific websites often allow for pet obituaries.

How do I share an online obituary on social media?

Copy the link to the online obituary and share it on your social media platforms. You can also use hashtags to reach a wider audience and encourage sharing.

Can I create a video obituary?

Yes! Video tributes are becoming increasingly popular as a way to celebrate a person's life. You can create a video using photos, music, and narration, then share it online or at a memorial service.