Obituary

It is with profound sadness that the family of Bennie Powell announce his passing on September 21, 2020 at the age of 69. Bennie was hardworking, strong, loving and gentle. He was a very traditional and simple man. He loved his family and was deeply devoted to his wife and three children.Family was of the utmost importance to him and as long as he was with them, he was happy. Bennie is survived by his children; Bennie Jr, Jonathan (Patricia), and Melissa. He is also survived by his three sisters;

Joe Jones passed away on September 22, 2020. He is survived by his daughter; Jenean White, son; Tracey Jones, sisters; Jimetta House, Linda Gibson, and brothers; Terry House and Carl House.

Mary Smar was called home on September 22, 2020. She was preceded in death by her parents, Anna and Nick Baran, three brothers, Nick Jr., John and Mike. Also preceded in death by her husband Joe and son Michael. Mary enjoyed her job at Illinois Bell, Indiana Bell, and later retired from Inland Steel as a PBX operator. Mary is survived by her three loving daughters, Donna (Steve) Faulkner, Diane (Gary) Spain, and Jeanne (David) Lund. She was further blessed with her grandchildren, Zander, Nikko, Julie, Jessica, Katie, Jeff, Jack

Don Moore, 75 of Griffith, IN passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife (Diane) by his side Sept. 21, 2020. Don was born in Baltimore MD, June 21, 1945 to Ralph and Hazel Moore. Don was a Vietnam veteran and a mechanic at Inland Steel (Arcelor Mitral). He retired in 2016. He enjoyed riding his Harley and tinkering with anything mechanical. He married Diane Tibbs in 1979. He is survived by his wife, stepson Billy Smith of lL, grand son Noah Smith of IL, brothers Larry and Terry

Christopher Patai, 62, of Hammond, IN passed away on September 9, 2020. He was a big Chicago Bears and Blackhawks fan, and had a passion for fishing and photography. Christopher was preceded in death by his parents; Charles and Julia Patai, and brother; Chuck Patai. He is survived by his siblings; Tim Patai, Katherine Patai, Gina (Kevin) Rushing, and Maria Patai, nieces and nephews; Derek, Darcy, Rachael, Adam, Dalell, Alia, Miriam, Leila, Lindsey and Zach. A private family service will be conducted in Christopher’s honor.

Carolyn May Wakeman (nee Shalley), age 92, passed away on September 9, 2020. She was born March 31, 1928 in Adel, Iowa. Carol grew up in Iowa and married Jack Wakeman June 19, 1954.They moved to Thornton, IL and raised their three daughters there. Carol was on the School Board and created and made the stained glass piece in the town library. After Jack retired they lived on Lake Shaefer in Monticello IN. and Mesa, AZ. The last 6 years they lived at Pines Village in Valparaiso, IN. Carol loved

Mary Lora "Sylvia" S. Thompson, 89, passed away on September 7, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. Sylvia was formerly married to the late Dr. William Richard Thompson of Warwick, R.I. In recent years Sylvia resided with her daughter Kathryn Angela Thompson and her partner Linda Kowalski in Valparaiso, Indiana, where she adored watching the deer and other wildlife of her adopted home. A lifetime football fan, Sylvia picked up a taste for fantasy football in her last years, and quickly became an aficionado. Sylvia is survived by her five

Nancy Robertson, 77, of Gary, IN passed away on September 3, 2020. She is survived by her children; Randy R. Robertson, Marshall D. (Juli) Robertson, Joseph T. (Michelle) Robertson , Kelly J. (Peter) Estrada , Fifteen grandchildren & one  on the way, and four great-grandchildren & one on the way. Preceded in death by her husband Hershall Robertson, father; Annual Mesker and mother; Betty Kramer, sister; Jo Ann Deaton and brother; Micheal Mesker. A memorial visitation in Nancy's honor will be held Sunday, September 27, 2020 from 12:oo pm -