All Obituaries

Estella Navarro, age 93, passed away early Sunday morning, May 31, 2026, after an extended illness. Estella was born in Guanajuato, Mexico on September 24, 1932, to the late Jose and Aurora Gonzalez. Estella arrived in the United States at the age of 12 and resided in East Chicago, Indiana.  On October 18, 1949, she married Elison Navarro, who preceded her in death on September 2, 2005. In their 55 year marriage, they raised their family of 5 children in Griffith, Indiana. Estella was ...

Donald Ray Jenkins, affectionately known by family and close friends as "Don Juan" or "Bucky", was born to Robert Roosevelt Jenkins and Juanita Jenkins on July 15, 1957, in Gary, Indiana. Donald graduated from Roosevelt High School and entered the workforce immediately afterwards. He dedicated 23 years of service to Union Tank Car Company before venturing into real estate investing, where he successfully operated DRJ Properties for the past 28 years. While Donald took ...

Richard Allen Bartell, Jr. was born on April 19, 1985, to Beverly Sumner and Richard Allen Bartell, Sr. He was a loving son, big brother, uncle, and friend. He was always the life of the party and loved life. His family meant everything to him. He could always make you smile with his big "SILLY" self. Richard liked to play games on his phone and kept up with the news of the world. He was a manager at Casey's and was very proud of his job; he loved his job, employees as well as the ...

Dorothy Raden passed away on May 12, 2026. She is survived by her sons, Stephen and Daniel Raden; brother-in-law, Bernard Raden; and her nieces and nephew, Charlotte Kaufman, Lisa Raden, and Tony Raden. She was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Ann Chacarestos, and her husband, Dr. David Raden. Dorothy cherished her long partnership with David, whom she considered a true gentleman; both he and her big sister Mary Ann remained forever in her heart as the lights of her life. Born and ...

Manuel Lee Watkins, age 94, peacefully passed this life on May 11, 2026. Born on May 26, 1931, in Villa Ridge, Illinois, to Smith and Ollie Watkins, Manuel lived a life rooted in faith, family, hard work, and love. A proud United States Army veteran, Manuel later moved to East Chicago, Indiana, where he worked at Inland Steel Mill. He shared 67 beautiful years in marriage with his beloved wife, Delores "Sugarfoot" Watkins, and together they built a loving home in Gary, ...

The world became a little dimmer on May 10, 2026- Mother's Day- when Dianna Janes left us at 78 years young. A longtime resident of Lake Station, Dianna was the kind of person whose presence made life feel softer and more generous. To know her was to feel welcomed, understood, and cared for. She carried a quiet strength, a gentle humor, and a heart that gave without hesitation. Dianna spent her career at Bethlehem Steel, where she worked with grit and determination as a crane operator and ...

With heavy hearts and deep love, we announce the passing of Cruzita Muniz, a beautiful soul whose warmth, strength and joyful spirit touched everyone who knew her. Cruzita passed away peacefully on May 10, 2026. Born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, on May 3, 1934, Cruzita carried the vibrant spirit of her homeland throughout her life. She later made her home in Indiana, where she became known for her kindness, elegance, and a strong work ethic. She proudly worked as a Bailiff in Hammond, Indiana, ...

Lacricia Boyd was born on June 6, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, to Judge Alvin and Pearl Laws. She was one of six children. In 1948, Lacricia moved with her family to Gary, Indiana. She attended Roosevelt High School, later transferring to Black Oak High School, and went on to graduate from Calumet High School. Lacricia began her career in the beauty industry at Hi-Style Beauty Salon on 25th Avenue in Gary, Indiana. She later attended beauty school and became a licensed manicurist. She ...

Tori Garner (Johnson) was born on October 26, 1952. She was born in East Chiago, Indiana, to the late Richard Johnson (Margaret) and Marlene Lucas. Tori was raised in Gary, IN. by her father and grandmother, Sudie Mae Perry "Mama", whom she loved dearly. Thelma "Tootsie" Cunningham who was her father's first cousin who was also a cherished and guiding force in Tori's life. Tori moved to East Chicago and was married to the love of her life, Lawrence (Tudy) Garner for 34 ...

Talonda Lanee' Wheaton Hollies, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, touched the lives of all who knew her with warmth, grace, and a generous heart. She was born on February 5, 1973, at St. Mary Medical Center in Gary, Indiana, and carried light into every room she entered, leaving a lasting imprint on her family, patients, and community. Talonda graduated from William A. Wirt High School in 1991,and went on to earn a nursing degree from Valparaiso University, laying a ...