Seth S. Gove
Feb 9, 2026
Seth S. Gove, 50, of Goshen, was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, February 9, 2026, at his home where he was surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 7, 1975, in Elkhart to the late Vernon E. Gove Jr. and Penny (Walker) Hershberger who survives him.
Seth is also survived by his life partner...
Karen K. Colbert
Feb 8, 2026
Karen K. Colbert, 82, of Elkhart, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Esther’s House at the Center for Hospice Care. She was born in South Bend, IN on March 15, 1943, to the late Ralph and Nellie (Waldo) Colbert.
Karen is also preceded in death by her sister, Shirley Papay; and twin brother, Jimmy Colbert. She is survived by...
Michele Lee Merryman - Staples
Feb 8, 2026
Michele Lee Merryman-Staples, 61, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully at
Eastlake Nursing and Rehabilitation Center following a disability that spanned
many years.
Born on June 19, 1964, in Zillah, Washington, to the late Spencer L. and Linda L.
(Nice) Merryman, Michele began her life in the wide-open beauty of the Pacific
Northwest — a place of vineyards, sunshine, and close-knit community. Though
life would later bring...
Rodney A. Atkinson
Feb 6, 2026
Rodney A. Atkinson, 60, of Elkhart, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 6, 2026. He was born in Elkhart, IN on March 19, 1965, to the late Dorothy (Steffel) Atkinson and Frank Atkinson, who survives him.
Rodney is also survived by his siblings, Debra McBrier, Barbara Byler, Mike Atkinson, and Victor Atkinson; companion, Cindy Hubbard; 2 nieces; and one nephew.
Cremation was...
Anna Lea Graves
Feb 5, 2026
Anna Lea Graves, 82, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away peacefully at the Center for Hospice Care Esther’s House in Elkhart on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 6:42 a.m., following an extended illness. True to her gentle and steady nature, she slipped from this world quietly, leaving behind a lifetime of love stitched into the hearts of those who knew her...
Robin Adell Wagers
Feb 3, 2026
Robin A. Wagers, 52, of Elkhart passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at home.
Robin is born on August 29, 1973 in South Bend to the late Cleveland Edward and Catherine (Mullins) Grant.
Robin is survived by her son, Tristan Grant (Ray Ann Howard) of Goshen; adored grandchildren, Promise Ann Howard and Prince Lee Grant; stepdaughter, Cessely Kelly of Elkhart; brother,...
Charles Ray Smith
Feb 3, 2026
Charles Ray “Charlie” Smith, 54, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away peacefully at Elkhart General Hospital on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 9:38 a.m., following an illness. Though his passing came far too soon, Charlie’s quiet strength, generous heart, and unwavering love for his family will forever remain a part of those who knew him best.
Charlie was born on March 26,...
Robert Paul McConnell
Feb 3, 2026
Robert Paul McConnell, 60, of Elkhart, passed away after an extended illness on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at Center for Hospice Care-Esther’s House.
Robert was born on May 17, 1965 in South Bend to the late, William W. McConnell and Paulette (Olinger) McConnell.
He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Paulette.
Robert is survived by his brother, Scott McConnell of...
Susan M. Sellden
Feb 2, 2026
Susan M. Sellden, 64, of Elkhart, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026, at South Bend Memorial Hospital. She was born in Fargo, North Dakota on December 29, 1961, to the late Carolyn “Dolly” (Klotz) Quiggle and Larry Quiggle, her father survives her.
Susan is also survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Tom Sellden; sons, Eli (Paige) Sellden and...
Janice Rae "Jan" Bloomer
Feb 2, 2026
Janice Rae Bloomer, a cherished lifelong resident of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on February 2, 2026, at 1:55 p.m., after a long and courageous battle with cancer. With the heaviest of hearts, we share that our beautiful Jan is now free from all pain and suffering, resting in the arms of Jesus in Heaven.
Born November 16, 1951,...
Darlene Fischer
Jan 30, 2026
Grace “Darlene” Fischer, 88, of New Paris, IN won the race to heaven on Friday, January 30, 2026 at home surrounded by her family.
Darlene was born in Delphos, KS on June 17, 1937 to the late Lawrence Shea and Daisy Louise (Sommers) Shea. She married the love of her life, Carl J. Fischer, Jr. on September 20, 1958.
She is preceded...
Witaly Stankiewicz
Jan 29, 2026
Witaly Stankiewicz, 81, of Elkhart, passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Brickyard Healthcare of Elkhart. Arrangements are pending at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. in Elkhart. If anyone has any information on how to contact his family, please contact the funeral home. Thank you.
Dereic Richard Bowlin
Jan 28, 2026
Dereic Richard Bowlin, 59, of Niles, MI, passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at the Ernestine M. Raclin Center for Hospice Care in Mishawaka, IN from a sudden illness.
Dereic was born on May 30, 1966 in South Bend, IN to Thomas Bowlin and Sherry (Clark) Bowlin.
He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas and beloved stepfather, James M....
Michael Scott Middlestadt
Jan 26, 2026
Michael Scott Middlestadt, 80, of Elkhart, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026 at Valley View Healthcare.
Michael was born on January 23, 1946 in Paw Paw, MI to the late, Lyle V. Middlestadt and Esther Edith (Cole) Middlestadt.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Esther Middlestadt; son, Jeffrey Scott Middlestadt; recent wife, Elaine Middlestadt; first wife, Bonnie...
Douglas Shane Treece
Jan 26, 2026
Douglas Shane Treece, 58, of Milford, Indiana, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 7:30 a.m., following an illness borne with quiet strength, grit, and dignity. Surrounded by the love, laughter, and comforting presence of his family, Shane entered into eternal rest, confident in the promises of his Lord and Savior and undoubtedly greeted with...
Johnnie Trent Abel
Jan 23, 2026
Johnnie T. Abel, lovingly known as “Papa John,” 77, of South Bend, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Memorial Hospital of South Bend, IN. He was born on December 31, 1948, and had a sister, Valerie Abel.
Johnnie is survived by his ADEC family and his family at the Mackey House who all loved him immensely.
Visitation will take place...
Vicki Jo Talley
Jan 23, 2026
Vicki Jo Talley, 69, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully in the familiar comfort of her own home on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 2:49 a.m., following a brief illness. Surrounded by the life she built and the memories she cherished, Vicki’s journey here came to a gentle close, leaving behind a quiet space that will long be filled with her...
Dana Beth Knapp
Jan 18, 2026
Dana Beth Knapp, 70, of Elkhart passed away unexpectedly from an automobile accident on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Dana was born in Ft. Wayne, IN on May 13, 1955 to the late, Bernard and Hurleen (Feltman) Blumenthal. She married the love of her life, Claude “Robert” Knapp in 1991.
Dana is survived by her husband and best friend, Robert Knapp of Elkhart;...
Ashley Elizabeth Brugh
Jan 17, 2026
Miss Ashley Elizabeth Brugh, 30, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully at Elkhart General Hospital on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 5:31 p.m. following a bravely fought bout with pneumonia, and while surrounded by the unwavering love and comforting presence of her family, Ashley entered into eternal rest.
Ashley was born on September 30, 1995, in Martinsville, Indiana, the beautiful, sweet, loving...
Frederick "Fred" J. Voorde
Jan 17, 2026
Frederick Joseph “Fred” Voorde, 84, of Elkhart, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Elkhart General Hospital. He was born in South Bend, Indiana, on April 24, 1941, to the late Albert and Alvera (Bernaert) Voorde.
He was preceded in death by his son, Neal F. Voorde. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Sarah (Bicard) Voorde,...
