Thank you for reading! Help support local journalism: SUBSCRIBE HERE for award-winning local news and unlimited digital access. For a low monthly rate, or try one day for 99¢.  Subscribers, please LOGIN to continue.  ..read more

Thank you for reading! Help support local journalism: SUBSCRIBE HERE for award-winning local news and unlimited digital access. For a low monthly rate, or try one day for 99¢.  Subscribers, please LOGIN to continue.  ..read more

Thank you for reading! Help support local journalism: SUBSCRIBE HERE for award-winning local news and unlimited digital access. For a low monthly rate, or try one day for 99¢.  Subscribers, please LOGIN to continue.  ..read more

Thank you for reading! Help support local journalism: SUBSCRIBE HERE for award-winning local news and unlimited digital access. For a low monthly rate, or try one day for 99¢.  Subscribers, please LOGIN to continue.  ..read more

Thank you for reading! Help support local journalism: SUBSCRIBE HERE for award-winning local news and unlimited digital access. For a low monthly rate, or try one day for 99¢.  Subscribers, please LOGIN to continue.  ..read more

Thank you for reading! Help support local journalism: SUBSCRIBE HERE for award-winning local news and unlimited digital access. For a low monthly rate, or try one day for 99¢.  Subscribers, please LOGIN to continue.  ..read more

Jack D. Abenath, Sr., 76, of Bluffton, passed away on Saturday evening, May 4, 2024, at his residence surrounded by his family.  He was born on Oct. 8, 1947, in Cedar Lake, Indiana, to Theodore and Blanch (Jones) Abenath. Jack served our county in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He worked for many years at Wayne Metals and retired from KITCO Company in Bluffton. Jack enjoyed fishing, working with his hands, and riding his motorcycle. Most of all, Jack enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a long-time member of the American Legion Post #111 of Bluffton.  Survivors inclu ..read more

Mary Ann Dale, 96, of Decatur, passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at Adams Woodcrest.  Mary was born on July 30, 1927, in Decatur; she was the daughter of the late August T. and Ellen M. (Rumschlag) Lengerich. On Jan. 26, 1946, she married Franklin E. Bender; he preceded her in death on July 24, 1954. After the death of her first husband, Mary married Donald F. Dale, he also preceded her in death. Mary was a parishioner of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church and member of the Rosary Society. She retired from Corning Glass Works in Bluffton.  Mary enjoyed sewing, baking and d ..read more

Abby R. Helmke, 48, of rural Markle, passed away Monday morning, May 6, 2024, at her residence. Abby was born in Bluffton on Nov. 10, 1975, to Duane and Debra “Debby” (Gaunt) Hill. Her father survives in Markle. She married Brian Helmke in Markle on June 20, 1998; he survives. A 1994 Norwell High School graduate, Abby later worked for NESCO/Custom Truck One Source in Bluffton for over ten years. She enjoyed crocheting, gardening, reading, and she especially enjoyed watching her boys play football. For the past three years, her pride and joy were her two grandkids. In addition to her father an ..read more

Thank you for reading! Help support local journalism: SUBSCRIBE HERE for award-winning local news and unlimited digital access. For a low monthly rate, or try one day for 99¢.  Subscribers, please LOGIN to continue.  ..read more