Sheets and Childs Funeral Home

Madalene A. Gaff, 93, a former resident of rural Churubusco and widow of Carl E. Gaff, died at 2:25 a. m. on Saturday, November 8, 2008, at the Provena Sacred Hearth Home in Avilla.  She had been in failing health for a number of years, and had been a resident there for the past six years.

A native of Michigan, she was born on July 1, 1915, a daughter of Richard and Anna (Miesen) Beck.  On July 24, 1954 she was married to Carl E. Gaff, and spent most of her adult life in the Churubusco-area.

She retired from U. S. Rubber in Fort Wayne, and attended the Churubusco United Methodist Church.

Mr. Gaff preceded her in death on November 23, 1996.

The surviving relatives include her brother and sister in-laws; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a. m. Wednesday at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Corinne K. Boruff, pastor of Churubusco United Methodist Church, officiating.

Friends may call at the mortuary on Wednesday one hour prior to the service.

Entombment will be in the mausoleum at Covington Memorial Gardens in Fort Wayne.

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To leave a condolence for the family in Mrs. Gaff’s memory, click on “Condolences” below. . .

Max G. Gross, 81, a resident of rural Churubusco in Allen County, fell asleep in the arms of Jesus at 12:35 a. m. on Saturday, November 8, 2008, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.  He had been in declining health, and had been seriously ill for the past five weeks.

Mr. Gross was born in Noble County on August 12, 1927, a son of Ernest L. and Mildred (Owen) Gross, and spent his formative years in Eel River Township in Allen County.  He graduated from Huntertown High School in 1945, and as a young man served with the U. S. Army.

On November 19, 1947 he was married to Lenora M. Hawk, and lived all of his adult life in Eel River Township.  She preceded him in death on May 26, 1979.

A retiree of the Figel Construction Company in Fort Wayne, he was a member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, was past commander of Gilbert Davis American Legion Post 157 in Churubusco, and was a member of the Carpenter’s Union.

In addition to his parents and spouse, he was preceded in death by a son Allen Gross on October 12, 1954; and by a brother Ross J. Gross on October 17, 1981.

The surviving relatives include his children Roxie (Dennis) Gloyd, Jerrold “Jake” (Debbie) Gross, and Sue (Tom) Gilbert, all of Churubusco; five brothers Owen (Vera) Gross of Churubusco, Alton (Marilyn) Gross of LaOtto, Luther (Becky) Gross of Churubusco, Larry (Trish) Gross of LaOtto, and Roger (Susie) Gross of Churubusco; a sister Elaine (Rowland) Gilbert of Churubusco; a sister-in-law Linda Gross of Auburn; ten grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a. m. Tuesday, November 11, 2008, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Larry Smith, pastor of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, officiating.

The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Monday from 2 to 8 p. m.

Interment with military graveside rites will be in the Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam.

For those who wish, memorials may be directed to Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church building fund or Churubusco American Legion scholarship fund.

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To leave a condolence for the family in Mr. Gross’ memory, please click on “Condolences” below. . .