Helen Rachel McDonald

January 11, 1924 – January 18, 2020

 

Helen Rachel McDonald was welcomed into the arms of her heavenly Father in the early morning hours of January 18^th, 2020.

She was born in Mishawaka on January 11, 1924 to Nancy Rachel (Stage) and Cecil Valentine Schmeltz. She was the youngest of their 6 children. As a teen during the Great Depression, she left school to take a job at Crystal Cleaners to help support the family. She later worked at Ball Band. In April 1942, she met Herbert Wayne McDonald at a local bowling alley. They had a whirlwind courtship, and were married on June 29^th of the same year. They both worked at Ball Band (later Uniroyal) as they saved to build a house. They welcomed their first child, daughter, Judy, in November 1943. Nine years later, their son, Richard was born. Helen and Herb were life-long residents of Mishawaka. He retired from Uniroyal and she became a homemaker. Helen resided in the home they built together until shortly before her passing.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Judy (Stephen) Samson of Osceola, IN, son Richard (Cheryl) McDonald of Warsaw, IN, 5 grandchildren: Rhonda (Robert) Bursley, Mark (Mackenzie) Samson, Erin (Michael) Milbauer, Jessica McDonald and Kaitlin McDonald, 6 great-grandchildren:  Nathan Samson, Ariel (Jordan) Clay, Rachel Diller, Cameron Simes, Hallie Simes, Brooklyn Mettler and one on the way. She also has 6 great-great grandchildren: Arabella, Ailyn, Luke, Maddox, Eliana, and Linley. Helen was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Herbert “Herbie” McDonald, her parents, Nancy and Cecil Schmeltz, and her siblings, Alice Rehder, Dora Heeter, Roy Schmeltz, Ira Schmeltz, and Albert Schmeltz.

Helen devoted her life to her family and her home. She loved to bake and cook. Anyone walking through the door was going to get fed, whether they were hungry or not! She kept her home and yard immaculate! She loved flowers, and each year planted hundreds! Her backyard looked like a flower garden. She loved to watch the birds at the feeder and made friends with the squirrels. She handed them cookies, and they soon began scratching on her back door, looking for their treats! She was most content at home, but did enjoy trips to California, Colorado, and many trips to Florida. Disney World was one of her favorite places, mostly because she loved the abundance of beautiful flowers and landscaping. She enjoyed eating out, especially when she could treat her whole family to a meal at one of her favorite restaurants. She played such a vital role in the lives of her family, often caring for the little ones while their parents worked. She would drop everything to help her family. Her home was always a safe and happy place to be. She was a cherished mom and grandma. Her love and devotion has touched the hearts and directed the paths of her entire family. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

Friends may visit with the family on Friday, January 24^th from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm, in the Bubb Funeral Chapel, 3910 N. Main St., Mishawaka. A service celebrating Helen’s life will be held at 2:00 pm with Pastor Dave Sjoberg officiating. She will be laid to rest in the Fairview Cemetery of Mishawaka.

Mari D. Marvel-Holte
October 10, 1955 – January 10,2020

She didn’t really want an obituary (who does?), so let this be a short tribute with terrible placement. Mari Holte made her last sarcastic comment on January 10 2020 after a brief illness.

Mari Denise Marvel was born in South Bend IN October 10 1955 to parents Rex E Marvel and Helen Nagy Marvel Wilfing. Whether you called her Mary, Mari or Missy, she was happiest when you called her for no reason. Mari was preceded in death by her parents, her husband DUANE Holte and sister- in- law SUSAN Marvel. She was stepmother to DUANE Holte Jr, proud Grandmother to Austin, sister of Rex (Pat), Paul (Debbie) and David Marvel. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends. Missy’s kindness reached too many people to mention in this notice. Her greatest joy was in being Auntie to her many nieces and nephews, and they loved the way she played. Later, she phoned her elders daily. Mari called it the elderly check. We are still not certain who was checking on whom. Her check-ins will be missed by all. Missy had a big heart that she wore on her sleeve. Sadly, it simply wore out. There will be no viewing since the family refuses to honor Aunt Fly’s request to have her standing in the back of the room with a Miller light and a cigarette in her hand so that she would appear natural to visitors. There will be no church services because though we tried to convince her otherwise , Mari’s primary concern was for the safety of the mourners in case of fire or lightning strikes that may injure the unintended. At the family’s convenience we will have a small potluck and play dirty bingo with some of her garage-sale bargains and thrift store finds to honor our own Auntie Mame. Everyone who remembers her is asked to celebrate Mari’s life in their own way. Raising a glass in her memory would be appropriate. Go Irish!

Instead of flowers that will end up at the cemetery and as she herself would occasionally ahem ; repurpose such flowers given a discreet opportunity, Missy would hope that you will do a spontaneous act of kindness for some poor son of a gun in her name.

Edith Josephine McLemore

July 10, 1918 – January 18, 2020

 

Edith J. McLemore, 101, of Mishawaka, passed away during the afternoon hours of January 18^th in her residence, surrounded by her loving family. Edith was born in Killen, Alabama on July 10, 1918 to Charlie E. and Mary “Edna” (Couch) Smith. On November 5, 1933 she married the love of her life, Dillard W. McLemore in Killen, Alabama. He preceded her in death on July 27, 1992. Edith worked at Uniroyal in the fuel cell division for 27years. She enjoyed sewing and quilting, although her greatest joy came from being with her family.

Edith is survived by her daughter-in-laws; Dale McLemore of Mishawaka, Martha McLemore of Elkhart, her grandchildren, Don (Sheila) McLemore of Goshen, Douglas (Laura) McLemore of Marysville, TN, Roger (Mary) McLemore of Granger, Dennis McLemore of Elkhart, Vicki Panting of Granger, and Greg McLemore of Granger, She was the great grandmother of 16 and great-great grandmother of 22. Edith was preceded in death by her husband, her 2 sons, Garry and Gerald McLemore, her parents, 4 sisters and 7 brothers.

Friends may visit with Edith’s family on Wednesday, January 22^nd from 5:30 until 7:00pm in the Bubb Funeral Chapel, 3910 N. Main St., Mishawaka, and one hour prior to the service. A service celebrating Edith’s life will be held in the funeral chapel on Thursday, at 11:00am with Jim Harasewicz officiating. She will be laid to rest next to her husband in the St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park in Granger. Memorial contributions may be made in Edith’s name to Currant Rd. Church of Christ, 56465 Currant Rd. Mishawaka, IN 46545.

 

Stanley Pete “Peewee” Lukowski
April 29, 1925 – January 15, 2020

Stanley Pete “Peewee” Lukowski, 94, of East 12th Street, Mishawaka, passed away his home on Wednesday, January 15th, 2020. He was born in Mishawaka, Indiana on April 29th, 1925 to Michael and Veronica Lukowski, who both preceded him in death along with his two sons, James Schneer and Maxwell Schneer. Two grandsons also preceded him in death, Chris Lutzen and Steven Moore and two brothers and two sisters. He married the former Vera Schneer in Mishawaka. She died on June 27th, 2017. Stanley was employed by Uniroyal Corporation until his retirement. He also worked many years at Krogers. He was also a part time farmer. He is survived by his three children: Marylou Dobbs, Sandy (Rob) Egendoerfer and Debra (Steve) Moore. He also is survived by five grandchildren: Melanie Demaegd, Shannon Dobbs, Jennifer Moore , Angela Moore and Brittany Minix. Two great grandchildren: Kaitlynn Moore and Caden Klatt. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 20th, 2020 at 11:00am at Bubb Funeral Chapel, 3910 North Main Street, Mishawaka, Indiana. Friends will be received on Sunday, January 19th from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at the funeral chapel and also one hour prior to the services on Monday. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka, Indiana.

Barbara Janet Fulmer
April 6, 1945 – January 15, 2020

Barbara Janet Fulmer of Granger, IN, passed away on January 15, 2020, after a 5-year battle with kidney and heart disease. Barbara was born on April 6, 1945 to the late Jerome and Jane Keller in Mishawaka, IN. After graduating from Penn High School, she went on to study nursing at Memorial Nursing School. After graduation, she was employed by Memorial Hospital and St. Joseph Hospital. In 1967, she met Richard J. Fulmer, and they were married on September 20, 1969. Left to cherish the memory of Barbara include her husband, Richard and her son Jonathan (Miranda) Fulmer; grandchildren Grace, Jake and Delaynie Fulmer; along with brothers Jerry Keller of Osceola and Jim (Renee) Keller of Mishawaka. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and daughter Janelle Fulmer. Barbara was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Mishawaka, IN. She enjoyed traveling, camping and was able to enjoy many trips across the United States. She adored her three grandchildren, and you always seen a smile on her face when they were around. Friends will be received from 4:00pm until 7:00pm Tuesday, January 21st at Bubb Funeral Chapel, 3910 North Main Street, Mishawaka, Indiana. Funeral services will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Mishawaka on Wednesday, January 22nd at 10:30am. There will also be an hour visitation at the church before the service. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Contributions in memory of Barbara can be made to the St. Joseph County 4-H Scholarship Fund with Barbara’s name in the memo, send to 5117 S Ironwood Dr, South Bend, IN 46614.