When it comes to dealing with the most difficult and tragic events of our lives, like losing a loved one, there are a lot of things for the bereaved party to consider to help make that difficult time a little easier. Father and son, Mike and Kyle...

Rachael N. Birchfield, 35, of Westville, passed away Friday, January 5, 2018 unexpectedly at home. She was born August 30,1982 in LaPorte to Bruce and Michelle “Shelley” (Hale) Birchfield. Rachael is survived by her mother Shelley Hacker and...

William D. Ling, 79 of Kouts, passed away Tuesday, December 5, 2017. He was born January 11, 1938 in Hebron, Indiana to Earl William and Leona (Prochno) Ling. On February 20, 1999 he married Norma Herring who survives. Also surviving him are his...

Michael Newhard, who runs Bartholomew Funeral Home here in Valparaiso, is no stranger to the potential tragedies of life, and has been on that side of the fence himself with his sister and, more recently, his father. Still, he finds it important to...

When a loved one passes, there is often so much going on around the family. There are individual emotions that each family member has to deal with and somehow - at the same time - aid each other with their grieving. If the deceased chose to be an...

For many families, faith is an essential part of closure after the loss of a loved one. The funeral is for family and friends to say goodbye to their loved one, but including their faith and beliefs in the service is an important reminder that death...

There’s nothing simple about death. When I attended Bartholomew Funeral Home’s “Blue Christmas,” I witnessed this thought manifested in the statements of those who came to honor their loved ones who had passed. The event reminded me of the...

It may sound strange to say that talking about my death made me feel alive, but isn't that what you feel after knowing you did something great for the people you love? Let me explain. I went to Newhard Bartholomew Funeral Homes the other day to...

Ada Isabelle Ruwersma, 79, of Valparaiso, passed away on May 31, 2014. She was born on July 23, 1934, in Wheeler, to John and Florence (Cuson) Conrick. On May 5, 1956, in Crown Point, she married Harmon E. Ruwersma who survives. Ada worked for...

Terry Lee Silhavy, 56 of Valparaiso, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family Saturday, March 29, 2014. He was born March 17, 1958 in Valparaiso, the son of Edward F. and Florence M. (Cook) Silhavy. Surviving is his sister, Linda R....