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The Voice of Blackford County community newspaper, Hartford City, IN (2026)

09/07/2026

Michael R. “Mike” Morris, 62

Michael R. “Mike” Morris, 62, of Hartford City, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, Sept. 5, 2026, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born on July 31, 1964, in Plymouth to Robert and Linda (Ellis) Morris.
Shortly after his birth, Mike's family moved to a farm outside of Bluffton, where he grew up.
He later attended Southern Wells High School, Poneto.
Mike graduated from Indiana University, Bloomington, in 1988.
Later he made Hartford City his home.
Throughout his career, Mike worked for many years as an insurance agent and also worked with Kline Family Farms.
On August 8, 1992, he married Rebecca Kinder. Together they had two children, Alex and Jarron.
On February 7, 2012, Mike married Julie Garrett.
He was deeply involved in his community and generously gave his time to Blackford County 4-H, serving on the 4-H Council and especially enjoying his time helping with the swine program.
Mike also was a familiar face in Blackford County athletics. Over the years, he ran the scoreboard for Blackford High School basketball, football and soccer games and coached both girls’ golf and girls’ basketball at the high school.
He later continued sharing his love of sports by coaching boys’ basketball at the elementary level.
Whether volunteering with 4-H, coaching young athletes or working the scoreboard on game day, Mike took great pride in supporting the kids and community of Blackford County.
Outside of work and volunteering, he enjoyed playing poker and golf and was an avid sports fan, cheering on the Cincinnati Reds, Nashville Predators, Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers and Indiana University.
Mike loved traveling with his family and especially treasured the time he spent with his children and grandchildren. Whether it was a family trip, a sporting event or simply time spent together, being surrounded by those he loved brought him his greatest joy.
He also was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church, Hartford City.
Mike is survived by his wife, Julie Morris; his children, Sarah Clark (Todd), Telsa Rodenbeck (Austin), Alexandra “Alex” Morris (Douglas McGuire) and Jarron Morris (McKenzie Streat); his mother, Linda Ellis; his father, Robert Morris; his stepmother, Joe Morris; his sister, Camille Fulkerson (Gary); his four grandchildren, Mali Clark, Keaton Rodenbeck, Wake Rodenbeck and Bohdi Rodenbeck.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at Waters Funeral Home, 501 W. Washington St., Hartford City, with Brian Waters officiating.
Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Muncie.
Family and friends are invited to visitation at the funeral home on Friday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m.

09/06/2026

Ryan Edward Cain, 42
Growing up near Hartford City, he was a 2002 graduate of Blackford High School, Hartford City

Ryan Edward Cain, 42, of Rochester, was surrounded by his loving family when he went home to be with our Lord in the early morning hours on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, at Ascension-St. Vincent's Hospital, Indianapolis.
On December 12, 1983, he was born in Muncie.
Ryan was a treasured son of Brian Edward and Amy Lou Carpenter Cain.
Growing up near Hartford City, he was a 2002 graduate of Blackford High School, Hartford City.
On October 12, 2024, Ryan married the love of his life, Eleesha Rose Daily, at Heartland Church, Rochester.
He was a man of strong faith and was a member of Heartland Church, Rochester.
During the summer of 2025, Ryan rededicated his life to Jesus Christ when he was baptized in the waters of Lake Maxinkuckee near Culver Beach by Pastor Jim.
An avid collector, he was always locked on to vintage items from the 90’s era, especially gaming systems, toys and vintage clothing.
Ryan also had a vast collection of shoes.
Gifted with his hands and intuitive artistic abilities, he created custom crosses to share his faith and the love for his Lord. Hand selecting various species of wood, each cross was unique and a special work of art.
As an artist, Ryan was able to express himself with colored pencils, charcoal or air brushing.
He spent many hours in his workshop creating and building custom gifts for family and special friends.
Left to cherish Ryan's memory are his wife, Eleesha; son, Gavin David Lee Cain, of Rochester; bonus sons, Thatcher Nicholas Sampsel (companion, Kylee Freant), of Rochester, Thorin William Sampsel, of Rochester, and Emmett Ryan Vandergriff, of Rochester; mother, Amy Triplett (Danny Lew), of Muncie; father, Brian Cain (Brenda Kay), of Florence Ariz.; sisters, Ashlee Danielle Pittenger (Jacob), of Muncie, and Macie Dawn Cain (companion, Chase DeVoss,), of Eaton; brothers, Orlando David Aguirre, of Orange Grove, Texas, and Caleb Jackie Cain (Emma), of Hartford City; grandmothers, Dewanda Cavitt and Sandra Slater; mother-in-law, Diana Rose Trine; father-in-law, Bill Daily (Krista); several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Preceding in death are his father-in-law, Rocky Trine, grandparents, Jackie Cain (Rebecca) and James Carpenter (Shirley), and uncle, Casey Carpenter.
A Celebration of the Life of Ryan Edward Cain will be on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, at 1 p.m. in Heartland Church, 321 E Eighth St., Rochester.
Pastor Jim Howard will officiate.
Ryan's family will receive friends on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the hour of service.
Graveside services will follow in the Rochester I.O.O.F. Cemetery, 620 W. Third St., Rochester.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Arthur and Ruth Browne St.Vincent House, 2031 Dugan Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46260. Envelopes will be available at the church.

09/06/2026

John Harmon Ickes, 84
He was born in Montpelier
He graduated from Montpelier High School
He worked for Kroger, Montpelier
He was formerly a deacon of Grace Baptist Church, Montpelier

John Harmon Ickes, 84, a lifetime resident of Montpelier, passed away on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at Marion Health East, Gas City.
He was born on Friday, Jan. 30, 1942, in Montpelier to Kenneth and Wilma Dean (Crockett) Ickes.
John graduated from Montpelier High School.
He worked for Kroger, Montpelier, and Indiana Michigan Electric Company for many years before retiring in 1995.
John was formerly a deacon of Grace Baptist Church, Montpelier.
He wintered in Inverness, Fla., for 20 years.
John enjoyed attending auctions, shooting and tractor pulls.
Survivors include three sons, John H. Ickes II (Heather), of Chicago, Ill., Chad M. Ickes (Thi), of Montpelier, and Benjamin T. Ickes (Jeannen), of Clarksville, Tenn.; one granddaughter, Justine Ickes (Jase Small), of Montpelier; two grandsons, Cameron Ickes (Tara), of Montpelier, and Chad Ickes II, of Garrett; one great-granddaughter, Isabelle Hope Ickes, of Montpelier; two sisters, Nelva Forrester Rogers, of Hartford City, and Kay Kershner, of North Carolina.
John will be missed by many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Wilma Dean Ickes, and his sister, Sue Felton.
Family and friends may gather to share and remember at Walker & Glancy Funeral Home, 109 W. Windsor St., Montpelier, on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A service to celebrate John’s life will follow at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, at Walker & Glancy Funeral Home, Montpelier, with Pastor Ryan Ingram officiating.
Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Montpelier.
Preferred memorials may be made to Woodlawn Cemetery.
Arrangements are being handled by Walker & Glancy Funeral Home, Montpelier.
Online condolences may be made at www.glancyfuneralhomes.com

09/06/2026

Larry Davidson, 71
He is the brother of Connie Fear, of Montpelier

Larry Davidson, 71, of Redkey, passed away on Wednesday Sept. 2, 2026, at his residence.
Born in Portland on September 16, 1954, he was the son of Richard and Betty (Boe) Davidson.
Larry was married on May 18, 2001, to Leeann Rines, who survives.
He had worked as a surveyor for the State of Indiana and also was a cook working at several places.
Larry owned Jay Smokin Barbecue, Portland.
He was a 1972 Portland High School graduate.
Larry enjoyed fishing, listening to music and chilling.
Surviving is his wife Leeann; two stepsons, Eric Daugherty, of Albany, and Adam Daugherty, of Fort Recovery, Ohio; two sisters, Linda Davidson, of Columbus, and Connie Fear, of Montpelier; two granddaughters, Charlie Daugherty and Salem Daugherty; his father-in-law, Dick Rines, of Portland
Larry was preceded in death by a brother, Ronnie Davidson, and a sister, Beth Hunley.
A memorial service will be at a later date.
Baird-Freeman Funeral Home, 221 N. Meridian St., Portland, is handling the arrangements.
Memorials can be made to AseraCare Hospice or Jay County Cancer Society.
Online condolences at www.bairdfreeman.com

09/06/2026

Christina A. Bailey, 81
She was born in Hartford City

Christina A. Bailey, 81 of Huntington, passed away on Monday morning, Aug. 31, 2026, at Heritage Pointe of Huntington.
She was born on October 6, 1944, in Hartford City to George V. and Martha (Lillibridge) “Midge” Hall Jr.
Christina graduated from Liberty Center High School - Class of 1962.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in business from Indiana University, Bloomington, in 1992 graduating cm laude.
Christina worked for Franklin Electric, Bluffton, for 22 years and after college worked at Fort Wayne National Bank. She retired from Murray Equipment, Fort Wayne, in 2008.
After retirement, and for the last 18 years she rode shotgun for Dane in the motor home as they traveled the country and ministered in Florida every winter.
Christina managed the merchandise table, smiling and talking with people and being totally supportive in our full-time music and benefit auction ministry.
She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and traveling.
When home and in warmer weather, Christina enjoyed working in her flower beds.
She also was an avid Indiana Fever fan.
On August 16, 1997, Christina and Dane Bailey were married in Fort Wayne.
Survivors include her husband, Dane Bailey, of Huntington, children, Terry Blair and Dale Hughes, of Franklin, Mike and Connie Blair, of Fishers, Dana and David Collier, of St. Joe, and David and Lisa Bailey, of Vera Beach, Fla.; along with nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Christina also is survived by a brother, David (Sue) Lawrence Hall, of Poneto.
A Memorial service will take place at 1 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, at Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home, 308 W. Washington St., Bluffton.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, at the funeral home.
Burial will take place at a later date at MRE Cemetery, Berne.
Memorials may be made to Missionary Flights International, Fort Pierce, Fla., and directed through the funeral home.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Lemler family of Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home, Bluffton.
Friends may share online condolences with the family at www.thomarich.com

09/06/2026

Joseph “Mike” Whited, 70
He attended The Lighthouse Church, Hartford City

Joseph “Mike” Whited, 70, of Hartford City, passed away on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, in his home.
He was born in Muncie on August 31, 1956, to Hubert and Lila (Piner) Whited.
Mike graduated from Delta High School, Royerton. He earned his master’s degree from the University of (Salt Lake City) Utah.
He served in the United States Marines and was honorably discharged.
In his latest work, Mike was an environmental geologist with Golar’s Environmental Engineering.
He attended The Lighthouse Church, Hartford City.
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Jerri (Crouse) Whited; daughter, Rachel Whited; brothers, Fred Whited and Jack (Bobbie) Whited; sisters-in-law, Joy (Jim “Bill”) Lowe and Diana Crouse; several nieces and nephews; exchange students they hosted from Germany.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Lila Whited, daughter, Angela Whited, brothers, Don Whited and Roy Whited, sister-in-law, Joann Whited, and brother-in-law, Dane Crouse.
The family will receive visitors from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, at Garden View Funeral Home, 10501 N. State Road 3, Muncie.
A funeral service will follow immediately after at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Carlton Bowden officiating.
Urn burial will take place at Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Muncie, at a later date.

09/06/2026

James "Jim" R. Galloway, 72
In his early years, he ran the car show in Hartford City

James "Jim" R. Galloway, 72, of Geneva, passed away at 4:21 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, at River Terrace Estates, Bluffton.
He was born on Friday, Nov. 13, 1953, in Portland.
Jim married Corie I. (Smith) Galloway on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 1973, in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
He attended South Adams High School.
Jim proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 14 years, including 10 years of active duty.
He also was a member of the National Guard, Bluffton, and the Reserve Center, Fort Wayne, for 14 years.
Jim was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
In his early years, he ran the car show in Hartford City and also the Geneva Days.
Jim enjoyed camping, most recently at Paradise Point, traveling and spending time with his family and his beloved dog, Jack.
Throughout his life, he had several different occupations. He worked at Nu Door, Geneva, and also worked for Thunderbird, Decatur, CTS, Berne, and Red Gold, Geneva.
Jim was employed in construction and while living in Kissimmee, Fla., for three years he drove a limousine.
He is survived by his sons, Jesse L. (Sukie) Galloway, of Oak Grove, Ky., and James M. (Erin) Galloway, of Decatur; his daughter, Melissa (Thomas Jr.) Peek, of Eaton; ten grandchildren, Thomas (Whitney) Peek, Alexander Peek, Sarah Peek, Mason Peek, Jeremi Galloway, Alek Galloway, Jesselene (Nick) Shawhan, Maysee Galloway, Biena Galloway and Kensie Galloway; his brothers, Larry L. Galloway, of Geneva, and Russell R. Galloway, of Geneva; two great-grandchildren.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, Clarence James Galloway, his mother, Beulah F. (Glassburn) Galloway, and his wife, Corie Ida (Smith) Galloway.
Family and friends gathered to share and remember on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at Downing & Glancy Funeral Home, 100 N. Washington St., Geneva.
A service to celebrate Jim's life was on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at the funeral home with Pastor Del Ray officiating.
Interment followed at M.R.E. Cemetery, Berne, with military honors conducted by the United States Army.
Preferred memorials may be made to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, P.O. Box 290369, 525 Royal Parkway, Nashville, TN 37229-0369.
Arrangements were handled by Downing & Glancy Funeral Home, Geneva.
Online condolences may be made at www.glancyfuneralhomes.com

09/05/2026

Robert William Montgomery, 81
He is the companion of Paula Elliott, of Hartford City
He is the father of Machelle Hershey (husband, Todd Hershey) and Misty Taylor (husband, Shawn Taylor)
He is the brother of Roberta Jones, Wanda Knuckles, Norma Heistand, Janet McDonald, Richard Montgomery, Franny Eikenbary, Hap Montgomery and Marilyn Montgomery
He was born in Hartford City

Robert William Montgomery, 81, of Hartford City, passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, surrounded by his immediate family.
Born on October 16, 1944, in Hartford City, he was the son of Christina (Philebaum) Montgomery and Harold Montgomery.
Robert was a loving son, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, companion and friend whose kind heart and steady presence brought comfort to the people around him.
He was deeply devoted to his family and took great pride in the people he loved.
Robert treasured time spent with family and friends, especially during gatherings filled with conversation, laughter and shared memories.
Some of his happiest moments were spent riding horses with those close to him - memories that will remain especially dear to the people who shared them with him.
Robert was known as Bob to most.
A hardworking man, he believed in taking care of his family, helping others and doing things the right way.
Robert gave his love generously and was someone others could depend on.
His warmth, loyalty and quiet strength shaped the lives of those around him and his legacy will live on through the family and friends who were fortunate to know and love him.
Robert is survived by his oldest daughter, Machelle Hershey (husband, Todd Hershey), and daughter, Taylor Hershey; his late daughter Marcie Traylor’s children, Siara Michael (husband, Doug), Desiree Trees and Brandon Traylor; youngest daughter, Misty Taylor (husband, Shawn Taylor), and their children, Zach Reid (wife, Emily), Cody Reid (companion, Brook), Hannah Licht (husband, Taylor), Chelsie Taylor (companion, Russell), Ty Taylor (wife, Diana) and Sidney Taylor.
He has several great-grandchildren.
Robert's wonderful siblings are Roberta Jones, Wanda Knuckles, Norma Heistand, Janet McDonald, Richard Montgomery, Franny Eikenbary, Hap Montgomery and Marilyn Montgomery.
His brother, Rodger Montgomery, is still missed. He passed away on October 29, 2007.
Robert also will be deeply missed by his companion, Paula Elliott, of Hartford City, and her sons, Jonathan Byrd, Joshua Byrd and Jeremy Byrd.
A private service honoring his life will be on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, prior to the public burial service, per his wishes.
Graveside service will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday at Gardens of Memory Cemetery, 10703 N. State Road 3, Muncie.
Friends are invited to arrive at Gardens of Memory at 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday.
Park behind the office to join Robert’s transition to his brother Hap’s horse-drawn carriage. Hap will give him his “last ride” to the gravesite.
Though Robert will be deeply missed, his family takes comfort in the memories he gave them, the love he shared and the lasting example he leaves behind.
His life will continue through the stories told, the traditions carried on and the family he cherished so deeply.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Midwest Equine Trail Foundation, 3158 E. 200 S., Dillsboro, IN 47018.
“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day.”
Please, visit WatersFunerals.com to sign the guestbook or share a memory with his family.

09/04/2026

Ronald "Ron" Luther Clamme, 88
He is the husband of Robin Clamm, of Hartford City
He was born in Blackford County

Ronald "Ron" Luther Clamme, 88, of Hartford City, died quietly in the early morning hours of Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026, with the sort of quiet, private timing he might just have planned himself.
He was born on December 29, 1937, in Blackford County the son of Luther William Clamme and Martha Elizabeth Brose.
Ron was a proud big brother to Larry and to his little “sista,” Marsha Ayers.
His love of flying began in childhood, when the sight of an airplane overhead sparked a lifelong ambition to become a pilot. And fly he did.
After graduating from Capital University and Air Force ROTC, Ron served 23 years in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.
He was an instructor pilot, spent three years as a squadron commander at the United States Air Force Academy and deployed to Vietnam, where he flew more than 270 missions as an F-4 fighter pilot.
Ron rarely spoke about Vietnam or about losing his best friend, Parker McKnight, there.
Military life took him, his first wife, Tina Goebel, and their three children, Shanda, Cheryl and Ron, across the country.
Ron was deeply proud of his Blackford County roots. He loved the stories of the Clamme family and spent countless hours tracing his family history back to his great-grandfather, early Blackford County settler, Pierre Clamme.
Later in life, he married Robin Genovese and returned to Indiana and the family farm, investing himself in the community he loved.
Ron was active in church, politics, public safety and community service.
He helped establish Project Lifesaver in Indiana, helped develop TRIAD locally to connect senior citizens, law enforcement and the business community and served as campaign treasurer for Kevin Mahan’s run for the Indiana House of Representatives.
Ron brought integrity and conviction to it all.
He loved antiques and had an even greater enthusiasm for guns - lots of guns.
Ron enjoyed target shooting and was particularly proud of winning a shooting competition.
Time with his shooting friends was filled with rare guns, rare stories and a shared enthusiasm that left an impression on others.
Ron wasn’t much of a talker, particularly when it came to feelings, and some of his best stories apparently went to his friends instead of his family. But the way he showed up for people spoke volumes.
He was feisty, opinionated, adventurous and never particularly shy about politics.
Ron served his country. He served his community. He stood beside his friends. He loved his family.
He is survived by his wife, Robin; his children, Shanda (Eldon), Cheryl (Fred) and Ron (Sharon); Robin’s daughter, Susan (Richard); his sister, Marsha Ayers; his grandchildren, Christian (Annalaura), Jonathan (Jessica), Jason, Todd (Kami), Violet (Jonathon) and Domingo; his great-grandchildren, Eli, Adrian and Julianna.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Luther William Clamme and Martha Elizabeth Brose, and his younger brother, Larry Lee Clamme.
Services honoring him will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Waters Funeral Home, 501 W. Washington St., Hartford City, with burial immediately following at Hartford City Cemetery.
Military graveside rites will be rendered by the Wright-Patterson Honor Guard of the USAF and the Delaware County Veterans Organization.
Friends may call from 11 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home until the service begins at 1 p.m.
Memorials (instead of flowers) are emphatically encouraged to be sent in Ron’s memory to Blackford County Animal Shelter, 2520 N. 200 E., Hartford City, IN 47348.

09/01/2026

Jerry W. Emerson, 74
He is the husband of Kimberley (Fishero) Emerson, of Hartford City
He was a member of Hartford City Wesleyan Church

Jerry W. Emerson, 74, of rural Hartford City, passed away at 10:06 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026, at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana, Fort Wayne.
He was born on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 1952, in Camp Polk Deridder, La., to Clifton Emerson and Mary Francis (Parsons) Emerson.
Jerry married Kimberley (Fishero) Emerson on Friday, May 29, 1992, at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Cheyenne, Wyo.
He received his bachelor's degree in social work from Ball State University, Muncie.
Jerry was a member of Hartford City Wesleyan Church.
He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, where he served as a firefighter and as a Military Training Instructor (MTI) at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.
Jerry enjoyed reading books by James Patterson, playing games on his phone, attending church functions and spending time with his family and friends.
Survivors include his wife, Kimberley (Fishero) Emerson, of Hartford City; his son, Jeremy Emerson, of Hartford City; two daughters, Cassandra Emerson and Tara Michelle (Clint) Musick, of Athens, Texas; several grandchildren; his sister, Teresa Gammon, of Danville, Va.; several nieces and nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Clifton Emerson, and his mother, Mary Frances (Parsons) Emerson.
Family and friends may gather to share and remember Jerry's life from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, at Hartford City Wesleyan Church, 1301 S. Walnut St., Hartford City.
A service to celebrate Jerry's life will follow at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, at Hartford City Wesleyan Church with Pastor Aaron Case officiating.
Interment will follow at Brookside Memorial Park Cemetery, Montpelier, with military rites conducted by the United States Air Force.
Arrangements are being handled by Walker & Glancy Funeral Home, 109 W. Windsor St., Montpelier.
Online condolences may be made at www.glancyfuneralhomes.com

The Voice of Blackford County community newspaper

09/07/2026

09/06/2026

09/06/2026

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09/06/2026

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