Obituaries

Elkhart, Indiana Obituaries

Karla A. Schwartz

Karla A. Schwartz

May 6, 2025

Mrs. Karla Ann Schwartz, 66, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away peacefully in the loving embrace of her home, surrounded by her family, in the early hours of Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 2:17 a.m., following a fierce and fearless battle with cancer. True to her nature, she faced her illness with the same grit, humor, and grace that she...

Thomas J. Swichtenberg

Thomas J. Swichtenberg

May 5, 2025

Firefighter/EMT Thomas J. Swichtenberg, 65, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away suddenly but peacefully in his own backyard while tending to his beloved chickens on Monday, May 5, 2025, around 5:00 p.m. Though unexpected, his passing came in a place he cherished, doing something he loved, beneath the open sky he often paused to appreciate.

Tom was born...

Paul W. Chapman

Paul W. Chapman

May 5, 2025

Paul Willard "Pauly" Chapman, 63, of Elkhart, IN, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Monday, May 5, 2025. He was born on November 8, 1961, in Glen Cove, New York to the late Paul William Chapman and Mildred (Kistner) Baker.

Paul is also preceded in death by his sister, JoAnn (Quincy Sr.) Bontrager. He is survived...

Paula S. (Haney) Minegar

Paula S. (Haney) Minegar

May 1, 2025

Paula Sue (Haney) Minegar, 74, of Elkhart, formerly of Union, MI, passed away after an extended illness on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Greenleaf Health Campus. She was born on February 22, 1951, in Elkhart to the late Perry and Eleanor (Arko) Haney.

Paula was also preceded in death by her twin brother, Mark Haney. She is...

Robert "Bob" Lee Markley

Robert "Bob" Lee Markley

Apr 30, 2025

Robert "Bob" Lee Markley, 97, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, with his family by his side.

Born on November 22, 1927, in Goshen, Indiana, Bob was the son of the late Lee E. and Madge M. (Riley) Markley. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Jean (Harper) Markley—his best...

Barbara Jean "Bobbie" (Willard)  Allen

Barbara Jean "Bobbie" (Willard) Allen

Apr 30, 2025

Mrs. Barbara Jean "Bobbie" Allen, age 64, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 2:24 a.m., surrounded by the love of her family and the quiet comfort of her own home. After a courageous and grace-filled battle with cancer, Bobbie's journey came to a close just as she had lived...

Kevin Lee Smith

Kevin Lee Smith

Apr 30, 2025

Kevin Lee Smith, 65, of Elkhart, passed away on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at his residence. He was born in Mishawaka, IN on June 3, 1959, to Charles William and Patricia Mae (Vanator) Smith.

Kevin is survived by his mother, Patricia Smith; siblings, Carlene, Linda, and Chuck Smith; and a host of nieces and nephews as well...

Daniel Bernard Miller

Daniel Bernard Miller

Apr 28, 2025

Daniel Bernard "Dan" Miller, age 79, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 12:57 a.m., surrounded by the enduring love of his family and the quiet comforts of his own home. After a long and valiant battle with illness, Dan's journey came to a gentle close with his devoted...

Sheila Irene (Rookstool)  Rowley

Sheila Irene (Rookstool) Rowley

Apr 27, 2025

Sheila Irene Rowley, age 76, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 8:55 a.m., surrounded by the familiar comforts of her home, following an extended illness. Her passing marks the conclusion of a life defined by love, generosity, and quiet strength.

Sheila was born in Elkhart on April 22, 1949, to the...

John Waldo Ernest

John Waldo Ernest

Apr 27, 2025

John Waldo Ernest passed away on April 27, 2025, following a brief illness. He was at peace going home to meet his Lord and Savior.

He was born in Goshen, IN on December 29, 1953, to Dean L. Sr and Doris (Mansfield) Ernest.

He is survived by a daughter, Stephanie Marner; 2 granddaughters; 6 great...

Thomas Phoebus

Thomas Phoebus

Apr 25, 2025

Thomas Andrew Phoebus, 67, of Elkhart, passed away after a short illness at his home on Friday, April 25, 2025. Tom was born on April 21, 1958 in Elkhart to the late Jack Andrew and Evelyn Marie (Cleveland) Phoebus. He lived in the Edwardsburg area for many years until moving to Elkhart.

Tom graduated from Elkhart Memorial...

Richard Lee Moore

Richard Lee Moore

Apr 24, 2025

ELKHART: Former Mayor and Fire Chief, Richard Lee "Dick" Moore, 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at Hubbard Hill, in the comfort of his family. Dick was born on April 13, 1934 in Mishawaka, Indiana to the late Carl F. and Merle (Wambaugh) Bartlett Moore.

Dick married his best friend Nancy Lee (Cook) on...

Melford "Wayne" Bonner

Melford "Wayne" Bonner

Apr 24, 2025

Melford Wayne Bonner, 71, of Niles, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on April 24, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on July 20, 1953, in Artesia, California.

After dating for five years, Wayne married the love of his life, Cynthia Ann "Cyndie" Kushnerick, who preceded him in death on January 31, 2025....

Richard C. Denman

Richard C. Denman

Apr 23, 2025

Richard C. "Dick" Denman, 81, of Elkhart, passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Elkhart General Hospital. He was born in Mishawaka on June 21, 1943, to the late Wayne Elson and Virginia Jane (McCreary) Denman.

Dick is also preceded in death by his brothers, Ronald, Larry, Keith, Gene, and Duiane Denman. He is survived by...

Rose Ann Allen

Rose Ann Allen

Apr 23, 2025

PLEASE NOTE THE VISITATION HAS CHANGED TO THIS SUNDAY FROM 2-4PM.

Rose Ann Allen, 86, of Elkhart, went home to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at her home.

Rose Ann was born on June 8, 1938 in Grundy, VA to Roosevelt and Georgia (Keen) Viers. She married the love...

Jose Gregorio Gonzalez Riera

Jose Gregorio Gonzalez Riera

Apr 20, 2025

Jose Gregorio Gonzalez Riera, 38, of Elkhart, IN passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2025.

Per Jose's family's request, he will be cremated and there will be no services at this time.

José Gregorio González Riera, de 38 años y residente de Elkhart, Indiana, falleció el domingo 20 de abril de 2025.

A...

Lynn Marshall Grove

Lynn Marshall Grove

Apr 20, 2025

Lynn M. Grove, 84, of Elkhart, IN went to be with his Lord and Savior on Easter Sunday, April, 20, 2025 at Elkhart General Hospital.  Lynn was born on April 27, 1940 in Elkhart, IN to the late Gilbert and Vivian (Wallin) Grove.  He graduated from Concord High School in 1958.

Lynn is survived by his wife,...

Ron E. Smeltzer

Ron E. Smeltzer

Apr 15, 2025

Ron E. Smeltzer, 71, of Elkhart, was called home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Elkhart General Hospital, following a brief and sudden illness. He was born in Elkhart, IN on July 27, 1953, to the late Robert W. and Mary Ann (Knoll) Smeltzer.

Ron was also preceded in death by his...

Jinx E. Flynn

Jinx E. Flynn

Apr 14, 2025

Mrs. Jinx Elaine Flynn, 78, of Edwardsburg, Michigan, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Monday, April 14, 2025, at 2:20 p.m. She was surrounded by her family and the comforting memories of a life well lived.

Jinx was born on July 15, 1946, in the quiet town of Delong, Indiana, to the late Wayne H. and...

Rex A Sutterby

Rex A Sutterby

Apr 14, 2025

Mr. Rex Allen Sutterby, 65, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, April 14, 2025, at 5:34 p.m., after a long and courageous battle with COPD. Surrounded by the love and presence of his devoted family, Rex left this world as he lived—steadfast, loved, and deeply cherished.

Rex was born on December 29, 1959,...

Obituary Notifications

Subscribe to get alerts for new obituaries when Billings Funeral Home posts tributes

GriefSteps logo in black text, with a curved underline. The trademark symbol is at the end.
A Year of Grief Support

Sign up for one year of weekly grief messages designed to provide strength and comfort during this challenging time.