MERRILL A. RHODES

Hartford City

Merrill A. Rhodes, 75, passed away Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at his residence.

He was born in Hartford City on March 15, 1940 to Clester “Peg” and Georgette (Lennon) Rhodes. He graduated from Hartford City High School in 1958 and attended Ball State University.

Merrill married Jean Ann Fettig on May 4, 1963. Her death occurred on February 11, 2004.

Merrill worked for General Motors in the Fabricating Division and Security, retiring in 1995. He also served 6 years in the National Guard.

He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, American Legion Post #159, Amvets #23, CPC Sympathy Club, Blackford Country Club and had served on the Blackford County Alcoholic Beverage Board.  As a member of the Hartford City High School Memorial Committee, Merrill was instrumental in developing the memorial park on the site of the old high school. He also enjoyed all sports.

Survivors include two sons, Marty (Kelli) Rhodes, Indianapolis and Chris (Tina) Rhodes, Auburn; two brothers, Rik (Linda) Rhodes and Nick (Beth) Rhodes, both of Hartford City and seven grandchildren, Payton, Meredith, Dustin, Olivia, Sian, Brian, Easton Rhodes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Jean Ann and a sister, Greta McIntire.

The funeral service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday, February 29, 2016 in Waters Funeral Home, 501 W. Washington St., Hartford City with Father Dave Newton officiating. Burial will follow in Hartford City Cemetery.

Friends may call from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, February 28 in the funeral home and Monday from 9-10 a.m.

Memorials may be made to the Jean Ann Rhodes Memorial Baseball Scholarship, c/o Blackford County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 327, Hartford City, IN 47348.

Online condolences may be sent to: www.watersfuneralhomes.com.

 

JAMES C. VALENTINE

HARTFORD CITY, IN

James C. Valentine, 66, Hartford City, passed away Tuesday morning, February 2, 2016 at IU Health Blackford Hospital after a courageous battle with mesothelioma.

Born in Chillicothe, Ohio on December 20, 1949, one of five children to Noah and Coral (Bowsher) Valentine, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy from July of 1970 to July of 1974.

On June 28, 1975, he took Dorothy Switzer to be his loving wife in Williamstown, Kentucky.  He retired in 2014 from American Electric Power/Indiana Michigan Power after several years of employment as a drafter/draftsman. James enjoyed fishing and camping, computer games and crocheting, but especially enjoyed “old western” movies.

In addition to his loving wife, Dorothy of nearly forty-one years, he leaves one son, Joseph Valentine (wife, Crystal), Hartford City; a daughter, Laura Valentine, Connersville; one brother, Tim Valentine, Clearwater, FL; one sister, Nora June Schultz, New Port Richey, FL and three grandchildren:  Cassandra Valentine, Peyton White & Lillian Valentine.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded into eternal rest by a brother, Noah Valentine and a sister, Holly Valentine-Johnson.

Services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 9 in the Waters Funeral Home, 501 W. Washington St., Hartford City with Pastor Troy Kaufman of Calvary Christian Church, presiding.  Burial will follow in the Marion National Cemetery, 1700 W. 38^th St., Marion, with military honors by the U.S. Navy & Delaware Veterans Organization.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Monday, February 8 and from 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, until the time of the service.

Memorials may be made in his name to the Calvary Christian Church, 2101 N. Walnut St., Hartford City, Indiana 47348.

Online condolences may be sent to: www.watersfuneralhomes.com.