The Voice of Blackford County community newspaper

The Voice of Blackford County community newspaper The Voice of Blackford County community newspaper is community-minded, community-oriented, community

The Voice of Blackford County community newspaper serves the entire Blackford County area, including Hartford City, Montpelier and Shamrock Lakes, along with Harrison, Jackson, Licking and Washington townships. The newspaper covers sporting events and school-related activities along with community events.

Mary Lou Nibarger, 87She was born in Hartford CityMary Lou Nibarger, 87, was born on September 9, 1938, in Hartford City...
06/24/2026

Mary Lou Nibarger, 87
She was born in Hartford City

Mary Lou Nibarger, 87, was born on September 9, 1938, in Hartford City to Le Roy and Bernice Lucinda (Goodyear) Blumenhorst.
She passed away on June 22, 2026.
If you knew Mary, you probably loved her.
She married Richard “Dick” Nibarger in 1973. Together they shared 45 years of marriage.
Mary embraced Dick’s five children as her own and helped raise them alongside the two children they welcomed together.
She had a gift for making people feel welcome.
Mary listened without judgment, genuinely cared about others and always made time for the people in her life.
She was happiest at home, where she could prepare meals, share stories and spend time with family and friends.
Mary's grandchildren knew Grandma’s closet was often stocked with snack cakes and treats waiting to be discovered, and nobody ever left her house hungry.
Those who knew her best will remember her steady presence, quiet sense of humor and mischievous smile.
Mary often listened more than she spoke, but when she did speak, her timing was perfect.
Beneath her gentle nature was a playful streak that could catch people by surprise and leave everyone laughing.
While Mary's family will miss her deeply, they find comfort in knowing she has been reunited with loved ones who have gone before her and is now at peace with the Lord.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard “Dick” Nibarger, her parents, Le Roy and Bernice Lucinda (Goodyear) Blumenhorst, her sisters, Shirley and Betty, and her brothers, Le Roy Junior, Robert “Bob” and Carl Blumenhorst.
Mary is survived by her children, Connie, Rick, Carolynn, Deanna, Steve, Doug and Beverly; 15 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; her brother, Jim Blumenhorst (Carolyn); her beloved neighbors and friends, Greg and Angie Cart; numerous extended family members and friends.
Calling hours will be on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home, 208 N. Commerce St., Portland, followed by funeral services at 1 p.m.
Burial will follow at I.O.O.F. Twin Hills Cemetery, Pennville.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of The Waters of Dunkirk and SouthernCare Hospice for their compassion, kindness, and support.
Mary legacy lives on in the family she helped raise, the memories shared around her table and the kindness she showed to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

John E. Stanley, 62He was a lifelong resident of Blackford CountyHe graduated from Blackford High School, Hartford City ...
06/23/2026

John E. Stanley, 62
He was a lifelong resident of Blackford County
He graduated from Blackford High School, Hartford City - Class of 1982
He attended Zion Lutheran Church, Hartford City

John E. Stanley, 62, of Hartford City, passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Envive Healthcare, Hartford City.
He was born on March 14, 1964, in Hartford City.
John was a lifelong resident of Blackford County.
He graduated from Blackford High School, Hartford City - Class of 1982.
John worked as a brick mason and was a member of the Laborers Union.
He enjoyed fishing and spending time outdoors.
John attended Zion Lutheran Church, Hartford City.
He is survived by his mother, Yolonda (Wise) Hiser, of Lake Alfred, Fla.; his sister, Lisa (Mark) Cogan, of Lake Alfred, Fla.; his brother, Jeff Stanley (Angie), of Hartford City; his nephews, Drake (Mercadies) Cogan, of Sebring Fla., Josh (Dana) Stanley, of Alexandria, and Chris Stanley, of Hartford City; two great-nieces.
John was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Lester and Catherine Wise.
He will be remembered for his hardworking nature, quiet spirit and love of fishing.
In accordance with John’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service.
Burial will take place at Brookside Memorial Park Cemetery, Montpelier, at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Walker & Glancy Funeral Home, 109 W. Windsor St., Montpelier.

Rosylea (Norton) Hummer, 88She was born and raised in Blackford CountyShe had been employed at Indiana Box Corporation, ...
06/23/2026

Rosylea (Norton) Hummer, 88
She was born and raised in Blackford County
She had been employed at Indiana Box Corporation, Montpelier

Rosylea (Norton) Hummer, 88, of Hartford City, passed into the Lord’s glory on Friday morning, June 19, 2026, at Morrison Woods Health Campus, Muncie, with her family at her side.
Born on January 10, 1938, and raised in Blackford County, she was the daughter of the late Arthur B. and Rosylean (Gunckle) Norton.
Rosylea married Jerry R. Hummer on June 3, 1955, in Hartford City.
She had been employed at Indiana Box Corporation, Montpelier, in addition to her care of the family home and raising her children.
Rosylea loved horses, especially the one named “Check Out Tardy.”
She dedicated most of her life to raising and racing thoroughbreds as well as quarter horses.
Rosylea will be sadly missed by her husband, Jerry; siblings, Joetta (Curt) Flanagan, Rosella (Ted) Bales, Barbara (Junior) Mills and Mike (Judy) Norton.
She was preceded by Alice Horton, Rosemary Seekell, James Norton, Robert Norton, Joseph Norton and Betty Logan.
Also surviving are daughter, Debra Black (husband, Jerry); granddaughter, Kimberlee Stephens (Ryan); great-grandchildren, Colton Yoder, Michael Stephens and Payton Stephens; grandson, Jason James Smith (Trista); great-grandchildren, Tra Smith, Matthew Smith, Kyleigh Smith and Jaydon Smith; great-great-grandson, Brantley Smith; granddaughter, Ashlee Rose Dixon (Kody); great-grandchildren, Luke McCoin, Lexie McCoin, Kase Dixon and Landyn Stacy; granddaughter, Dawn Renee Black, deceased; son, Jerry Ray “Bo” Hummer Jr. (Kathy, deceased), companion, Geri; granddaughter, Lindsay Wells (Aaron); great-grandchildren, Delaney Wells, Ameilya Wells and Hannah Rose Wells; great-great-grandson, Emory Ladig; grandson, Wade Hummer (Molly Melton); great-grandson, Leland Melton-Hummer; daughter, Brenda Hartman (Chuck); grandson, Cody Hartman (Kimberly); great-great-grandchildren, Sophia Hartman, John Hartman and Vera Hartman; granddaughter, Miranda Hartman (Daniel Destefanis); great-grandson, Owen; daughter, Lisa Teagle (Chris; granddaughter, Emily Urlage (Brian); great-grandchildren, Rachel Urlage, Nathan Urlage and Isaac Urlage; granddaughter, Brittany Ramirez (Andrew); great-granddaughter, Alyse Ramirez.
Funeral services were on Monday, June 22, 2026, at Waters Funeral Home, 501 W. Washington St., Hartford City.
Burial followed at Hartford City Cemetery.

BLACKFORD COUNTY 4-H & OPEN FAIRin association with Hometown Daysfrom TODAY to Saturday, June 27
06/23/2026

BLACKFORD COUNTY 4-H & OPEN FAIR
in association with Hometown Days
from TODAY to Saturday, June 27

PHOTOS from BLACKFORD COUNTY 4-H & OPEN FAIRin association with Hometown Daysfrom TODAY to Saturday, June 27 "Bruins' Vi...
06/22/2026

PHOTOS from BLACKFORD COUNTY 4-H & OPEN FAIR
in association with Hometown Days
from TODAY to Saturday, June 27
"Bruins' View" photos by Danny K Careins

Rebekah Jo “Becky” Orr, 39She is the wife of Marc OrrRebekah Jo “Becky” Orr, 39, of Muncie, passed away unexpectedly on ...
06/20/2026

Rebekah Jo “Becky” Orr, 39
She is the wife of Marc Orr

Rebekah Jo “Becky” Orr, 39, of Muncie, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
She was born on November 30, 1986, in Muncie to Tracy and Sara (Yeager) Sanders.
Becky was a 2005 graduate of Muncie Southside High School.
She earned her associate degree in nursing from Ivy Tech University.
Becky was currently enrolled at Indiana University, Bloomington, as she was advancing her 16 year career as a Registered Nurse.
On June 17, 2017, she married Marc Orr. Together they made their home in Muncie.
Becky and Marc loved their family and loved their roles as aunt and uncle.
Aunt Beck knew best.
She was a bright light in every room she entered.
Becky was a beautiful soul that had an affectious smile.
She loved her life, but most of all she loved her family.
Becky worked for IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie, most recently working at the Wound Center.
Surviving family include her husband, Marc Orr; her parents, Sara Sanders and Tracy Sanders (Debra); two brothers, Mark Sanders (Frances) and Bryan Sanders; her sister, Deborah Lipps (Jason); nieces and nephews, Conner Sanders, Mackemzie Lipps, Ayden Sanders, Kaylynn Sanders, Caitlyn Sanders, Mavery Lipps, Dane Orr and Hunter Orr; her father and mother-in-laws, Mark and Paula Orr.
Becky was preceded in death by her brother, Michael Sanders, and grandparents, William and Mary Sanders, and Ben and Florence Yeager.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Pitman-Richman Funeral Home, 200 S. Hartford St., Eaton, with Brian Waters officiating.
Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Muncie.
Visitation for family and friends will be at the funeral home from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday, June 22, 2026, and after 10 a.m. on Tuesday.
Memorials may be made in Becky's name to the IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Foundation, Attn: Nursing Honor Guard, 950 N. Meridian St.. Ste. 300, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

Beth Ann Capper, 59She is the fiancée of Virgil HayesShe is the mother of Tyler Capper (Shelby) and Brandon Capper (Olga...
06/20/2026

Beth Ann Capper, 59
She is the fiancée of Virgil Hayes
She is the mother of Tyler Capper (Shelby) and Brandon Capper (Olga)
She was born in Hartford City
She graduated from Blackford High School, Hartford City - Class of 1984

Beth Ann Capper, 59, passed away unexpectedly at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
Born on August 19, 1966, in Hartford City, she was the beloved daughter of Robert M. VanGordon and Betty Jo (Worrick) VanGordon.
Beth graduated from Blackford High School, Hartford City - Class of 1984.
She spent many years working at Jarden Home Brand before joining the team as a shift manager at Save-A-Lot, where she found a second family and a job she truly loved.
Beth's warm personality, strong work ethic and caring nature made a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
She had a creative spirit and enjoyed making crafts, but her greatest love was her family.
Beth's children and grandchildren were the center of her world. Nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her grandbabies.
Whether that was cuddling on the couch, watching movies, sharing laughs or making treasured memories together on vacations. They were truly her happy place.
Beth shared a beautiful life with her fiancé, Virgil Hayes. Their love was evident to all who know them.
They enjoyed doing absolutely everything together. You would hardly ever see them apart.
Virgil was Beth's rock, constant companion and greatest source of strength. He was the love of her life.
Her greatest accomplishment and deepest source of pride were her sons, Tyler and Brandon. From the moment they were born, they were the center of her whole world.
Beth loved them fiercely, supported them unconditionally and celebrated every milestone, big and small.
Known as “Mama Bear,” she devoted her life to ensure her boys knew they were loved, valued and never alone.
The bond Beth shared with Tyler and Brandon was one of unwavering love, loyalty and pride.
She leaves behind her devoted fiancé, Virgil Hayes; her sons, Tyler Capper (Shelby), and their children, Carter and Harrison, and Brandon Capper (Olga), and their daughter, Ania.
Beth also leaves behind her cherished stepchildren, Steven Hayes (fiancée, Atlanta Rose), and their children, Keaton, Madison and Tommy, Erin (husband, Ken) Wilson, and their children, Azula, Kenzel and Arinza, Angel (husband, Jordan) Justice, and their daughter, Sophia, James Hayes, and his son, Dawson, and Jayden Hayes, all of whom held a special place in her heart and were deeply loved.
She also is survived by her loving sister, Brenda Rogers, who was not only her sister but also her confidante, sounding board and lifelong friend.
Beth was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Betty VanGordon, and her brother-in-law, Kenny Rogers.
She was the kind of person you could always count on. She loved deeply, gave generously and would do absolutely anything for her family and friends.
Beth's strength, kindness, laughter and endless love will be missed beyond measure but remembered forever by all who were blessed to know her.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Keplinger Funeral Home, 509 N. High St., Hartford City.
Visitation is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Burial will follow at Hartford City Cemetery.
Online condolences may be sent to the family on our website or our page.

Stacy L. (Harvey) Boyce, 54Stacy L. (Harvey) Boyce, 54, of Dunkirk, died on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at IU Health Ball ...
06/19/2026

Stacy L. (Harvey) Boyce, 54

Stacy L. (Harvey) Boyce, 54, of Dunkirk, died on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie.
Born in Portland on October 20, 1971, she grew up in Dunkirk.
Stacy attended schools there.
She went to Jay County High School, Portland.
Stacy enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and attending their sporting events.
Survivors include a son, Stormie Adney (wife, Breea), of Dunkirk; daughter, Tiarra Adney (fiancé, Devin VanHise), of Lima, Ohio; her father, Elisha Harvey (wife, Vella), of Dunkirk; brothers, Chuck Harvey (wife, Johanne), of Albany, and Tony Harvey, of Dunkirk; sister, Tabitha Priest (husband, Jason), of Hartford City; three grandchildren (with one on the way), Talan Wilson, Cinora Adney and Jordy Adney.
Stacy is preceded in death by her mother, Patty K. Hayden.
Arrangements are pending.
Meacham Funeral Service, 648 W. State St., Albany, is in charge of arrangements.

BLACKFORD COUNTY 4-H & OPEN FAIRin association with Hometown Daysfrom Saturday, June 20, to Saturday, June 27
06/19/2026

BLACKFORD COUNTY 4-H & OPEN FAIR
in association with Hometown Days
from Saturday, June 20, to Saturday, June 27

Address

Hartford City, IN
47348

Telephone

(765) 251-4903

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