In Loving Memory...
The Warren County Community Foundation is saddened by the recent loss of these community members. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families at this difficult time.
Ellen Elizabeth Wright, aged 99, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Ascension St. Vincent Williamsport Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.
Ellen was born on May 9, 1925, in Williamsport, IN, to Duffy and May Cole. She spent her childhood on a farmhouse in rural West Lebanon, IN, and graduated as Salutatorian from her high school class in 1943.
In 1944, she married Warren Wright in St. Louis, MO. After Warren's return from the Navy during World War II, they settled on the family farm near Marshfield, IN, where she devoted herself to raising their five children, her greatest joy.
Ellen was a devoted wife, loving mother, and devoted homemaker. She was renowned for her cooking, particularly her delicious family meals, and for tending to her large garden. She was actively involved in her children's lives, assisting with 4-H projects, and transporting them to various athletic practices and events. Ellen was also involved in the Marshfield Presbyterian Church, Ladies Aid, Eastern Star, and Tri Kappa.
In 1962, Ellen and Warren purchased Mike's Grill in Covington. Working alongside Warren, her son Bob and his wife Bonnie, they established the Beef House Restaurant. Ellen continued to leave her mark with her delicious pies and Sunday specials.
She was a supporter of her children's and grandchildren's athletic events, as well as an avid fan of Purdue football and basketball. A beloved family tradition was enjoying her tailgate picnic lunches on Slater Hill before the football games. In 1947, she even survived the bleacher collapse at Purdue's Lambert Fieldhouse.
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In her retirement, Ellen's hobbies included traveling, reading, spending time in Siesta Key, FL, playing cards with friends, golfing, mushroom hunting, crocheting afghans, and cooking for large gatherings. She even shot two hole-in-ones while playing golf. On any given weekday, you might find her working in her yard up until age 93, planting flowers for her patio pots, visiting with neighbors, talking on the phone to her sister Lelah, or lending a helping hand to someone in need.
Ellen was admired by many. She was hardworking, humble, and loving, with a sharp wit and a strong sense of independence. She had a talent for “getting things done,” a heart for the underdog, and always preferred helping others to being helped herself. The family would like to express their thanks to the medical staff at Ascension St. Vincent in Williamsport, IN for the excellent care they provided to her at the end of her life.
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Edward Eugene Drake, 90, Williamsport, passed away in the Ascension St. Vincent Williamsport Hospital, following a short illness, on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 8:35 p.m.
Ed, as he was known to family and friends, was born in Franklin, Indiana on May 15, 1933. He was the son of the late Albert Edward and Nina Mae (Smock) Drake. He was raised in Franklin, graduating from Whiteland High School in 1952. Following graduation, Ed enlisted into the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge in July of 1956 he moved to Shelby County, Indiana and began farming. He later attended Purdue University and received his Associates Degree in Mobile Telephone Communications. He joined Indiana Bell and later transferred to the Covington office in 1970 and relocated his family to Williamsport. He retired from Indiana Bell after 35 years and 3 months of service on December 31, 1991. He and his wife, Carol, purchased T & T Auto Parts store, which is now known as, CarQuest of Attica.
Ed was a 50 year member of the Pittsboro Lodge # 620 F. & A.M.; member of the Scottish Rite and Zorah Shrine of Terre Haute; member of the American Legion Post # 52 of Attica. He served as a member of the Williamsport Town Board; member of the Attica-Williamsport Rotary Club; served on the Warren County Sheriff’s Merit Board and was a 4-H leader. He enjoyed fishing, especially with his brother-in-laws and father-in-law in Wisconsin and Canada. He liked to play golf and was an avid fan of Purdue sports. He liked woodworking and following NASCAR with Jeff Gordon as his favorite driver. He especially enjoyed following the stock car circuit with his grandson Zach driving one of the stock cars. He followed his grandchildren’s events with pride and enjoyed feeding his birds and squirrels, while shooing away the pesky cats that invaded their territory.
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On January 16, 1959, Ed married Carol Lee Jones in Carol’s parents home in Pittsboro, IN. He leaves behind his wife, Carol of 65 years along with two children, Connie (Mike) Peterson and Rusty (Mellisa) Drake, both of Williamsport; six grandchildren, Allyse (Cory) Gruss, Holly (Adam) Walters, Emily (Justin) Phillips, Zach Drake, Garrett Drake and Gracie Drake; five great-grandchildren, Calie, Averie, Klay, Luke and Logan.
Marilyn Ruth Mann, 82, of Otterbein passed away Friday, September 8, 2023 at Autumn Trace in Attica, IN.
Marilyn was born October 16, 1940 in New Castle, IN, to the late James and Susan (Dingle) Smith, Sr. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University and later graduated from Purdue University with her Master’s degree.
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On August 3, 1961 she married Leo Swingley Mann in Bloomington, IN and he survives.
Marilyn was a librarian, farmer, farm manager, homemaker and a fierce advocate of her daughters’ interests. She was a member of Armstrong United Methodist Church, Vice-President of Phi Mu and helped start the 1852 philanthropy fund for the sorority, consistently supporting young women. She was a member of Rainbow Girls and the grand worthy advisor for Indiana as a young woman. She also served on the board of the Indiana Music Federation. Marilyn was a long-time member of Delta Sigma Kappa, a women’s service organization, and proudly served on the Otterbein Library Board.
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Surviving are her four daughters: Valerie Mann (Karl) Hatopp of Saline, MI, Melanie (Dan) Murphy of Nashville, TN, Natalie Mann (Robert Stout) of Portland, OR and Stephanie (Richard) Johnson-Carlucci of Erfurt, Germany; five grandchildren: Ellery Hatopp, Isaak Hatopp, Morgan Murphy, Grace Murphy, Josephine Johnson; and several nieces and nephews.
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She is preceded in passing by her parents and brother James Smith Jr. Marilyn’s wishes were followed and her body was generously donated to the IU School of Medicine. A Celebration and Thanksgiving Service for the Life of Marilyn Ruth Mann with be held Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 1:30pm at Armstrong Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her honor to the Armstrong United Methodist Church, or to the Warren County Community Foundation designating the Warren County Education Fund. https.//www.warrencountyfoundation.com/existing.funds-1 Hippensteel Funeral Home is honored to serve the Mann family. Share memories and condolences online at www.hippensteelfuneralservice.com
Williamsport - Raymond “Ray” Joseph McGraw, 84, Williamsport, passed away quietly in his home in Williamsport, with his family by his side, on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at 3:15 p.m.
Ray was born in Lafayette, Indiana on December 21, 1938. He was the son of the late Raymond G. and Anna Marie (Illingsworth) McGraw. Ray was raised in Williamsport, playing varsity basketball for the Bingy Bombers. He graduated from Williamsport High School in 1956.
Ray married Eva Lou DeSutter on January 3, 1959 in the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Attica.
In Ray’s early career he worked for his father-in-law, Raymond DeSutter at both the DeSutter Funeral Home and Furniture Store. Some of those jobs included driving the ambulance and delivering furniture. Ray’s passion quickly turned to farming. He farmed in Davis Township east of Attica until his retirement in 2001, then he and his wife, Eva continued their enjoyment of travels and adventures, wintering in Fort Myers, Florida and showing their antique car.
Ray was active in the Attica community by serving as President on the Attica Consolidated School Board and helped oversee the building of the Attica High School following the fire in 1973. He was a member of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church; Attica Eagles Lodge # 2596 and many card clubs. He also enjoyed golfing, hunting and riding horses.
Ray leaves behind his wife, Eva, of 64 years along with four children.
Mike (Becky) McGraw, Woodbury, MN and their three children, Megan (Brett) Ferschweiler, Lauren (Pete) Johnson and Andrew (Kelly) McGraw; Pat (Sherri) McGraw, Attica and their three children, Jacob (Laci) McGraw, Molly (Blake) Dircksen and Hunter (Brady) Rogers; Todd McGraw, West Lafayette and his four children, Mat (Patricia) McGraw, Chelsea (Jason) Schlueter, Allie (Travis) Fleming and Maria McGraw; Melissa (Doyle) Allison and their twin sons, Max (Megan) Allison and Dane Allison. He was also blessed with 13 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind a brother, Tom (Jo) McGraw, Fountain Hills, AZ. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Shirley Ricker.
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Memorial contributions may be made to the Williamsport Public Library or the Warren County Community Foundation.
Rodney Wayne (Rod) Merriman, age 53 of Warren County, IN, passed away at 12:08 a.m. on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at Ascension St. Vincent Williamsport Hospital.
Rod was born on June 2nd, 1969, in Plymouth, IN. He was the son of Janet K. Payne and Donald W. Merriman. Rod was a 1987 graduate of Seeger High School. He was a Warren County resident for most of his life. Rod worked for Mark Tanner burying telephone lines, then later found his god given talent of custom woodworking. After discovering this passion, he started his own business, Merriman Custom Woodworking. His work turned countless houses into homes. Rod always found a way to bring love, laughter, and happiness into this world and to everyone around him, his music being one of several ways. It’s been said that things accomplished here on earth is not what matters, its how you made people feel… how proud we are that Rod accomplished BOTH!
Surviving are: Son, Eli Merriman (Sarah Emrick) of Attica, IN; Daughter, Macie Kerst-Merriman (Logan Cunningham) of Great Falls, MT; Father, Don Merriman (Cheryl) of Williamsport, IN; Mother Jan Turpin (Rick) of Attica, IN; Brother, Roy Merriman (Mindy) of West Lafayette, IN; Step-siblings, Jody (Theresa) Brooks, Lori (Scott) Williams, Kiley (Michael) Gaffaney; Many lifelong friends who will miss him dearly.
In Loving Memory of our board member, Andy VanMeter
Andy lit up the room. His wit, humor, compassion, generosity, great ideas, intelligence, smile, laugh, and unique ability to look at an issue from many perspectives are just a few of the many things that we will miss about Andy. Thanks for the great memories.
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Donations can be made by clicking on the donate button and noting who the gift is in memory of at checkout.
You can also call 765-764-1501 or email michele@warrencountyfoundation.com to make your wishes known or mail your donation to the address below.
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