Waters Funeral Homes

09/10/2026

09/09/2026

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09/07/2026

Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing Labor Day! Today we celebrate the hard work, dedication, and contributions of workers in our community and across the country.

09/05/2026

Hartford City, Indiana

Michael R. “Mike” Morris, 62, of Hartford City, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, September 5, 2026, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mike was born on July 31, 1964, in Plymouth, Indiana, to Robert and Linda (Ellis) Morris. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to a farm outside of Bluffton, Indiana, where Mike grew up and later attended Southern Wells High School.

He graduated from Indiana University in 1988 and later made Hartford City his home. Throughout his career, Mike worked for many years as an insurance agent and also worked with Kline Family Farms. On August 8, 1992, he married Rebecca Kinder, and together they had two children, Alex and Jarron. On February 7, 2012, he married Julie Garrett.

Mike was deeply involved in his community and generously gave his time to Blackford County 4-H, serving on the 4-H Council and especially enjoying his time helping with the swine program. He was also a familiar face in Blackford County athletics. Over the years, Mike ran the scoreboard for Blackford High School basketball, football, and soccer games and coached both girls’ golf and girls’ basketball at the high school. He later continued sharing his love of sports by coaching boys’ basketball at the elementary level. Whether volunteering with 4-H, coaching young athletes, or working the scoreboard on game day, Mike took great pride in supporting the kids and community of Blackford County.

Outside of work and volunteering, Mike enjoyed playing poker and golf and was an avid sports fan, cheering on the Cincinnati Reds, Nashville Predators, Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, and Indiana University. He loved traveling with his family and especially treasured the time he spent with his children and grandchildren. Whether it was a family trip, a sporting event, or simply time spent together, being surrounded by those he loved brought Mike his greatest joy. He was also a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church in Hartford City.

Mike is survived by his wife, Julie Morris; his children, Sarah Clark (Todd), Telsa Rodenbeck (Austin), Alexandra “Alex” Morris (Douglas McGuire), and Jarron Morris (McKenzie Streat); his mother, Linda Ellis; his father, Robert Morris; his stepmother, Joe Morris; his sister, Camille Fulkerson (Gary); and his four grandchildren, Mali Clark, Keaton Rodenbeck, Wake Rodenbeck, and Bohdi Rodenbeck.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Waters Funeral Home, 501 W. Washington St., Hartford City, with Brian Waters officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory.

Family and friends are invited to visitation at the funeral home on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m.

09/05/2026

Lucy had a way of turning even the simplest commercial into something unforgettable.Do you remember this one? 📺

09/03/2026

Robert William Montgomery, of Hartford City, Indiana, passed away peacefully in his home on September 1, 2026, at the age of 81, surrounded by his immediate family.

Born on October 16, 1944, in Hartford City, Robert was the son of Christina (Philebaum) Montgomery and Harold Montgomery. He was a loving son, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, companion, and friend whose kind heart and steady presence brought comfort to the people around him.

Robert was deeply devoted to his family and took great pride in the people he loved. He treasured time spent with family and friends, especially during gatherings filled with conversation, laughter, and shared memories. Some of his happiest moments were spent riding horses with those close to him—memories that will remain especially dear to the people who shared them with him. He was known as Bob to most.

A hardworking man, Bob believed in taking care of his family, helping others, and doing things the right way. He gave his love generously and was someone others could depend on. His warmth, loyalty, and quiet strength shaped the lives of those around him, and his legacy will live on through the family and friends who were fortunate to know and love him.

Robert is survived by his oldest daughter, Machelle Hershey, husband Todd Hershey, and daughter, Taylor Hershey; his late daughter Marcie Traylor’s children Siara Michael and husband Doug, Desiree Trees and Brandon Traylor; and youngest daughter Misty Taylor, husband, Shawn Taylor, and their children, Zach Reid and wife Emily, Cody Reid and companion Brook; Hannah Licht and husband Taylor; Chelsie Taylor and companion Russell, Ty Taylor and wife Diana, and Sidney Taylor. Bob has several great grandchildren.
Bob’s wonderful siblings are Roberta Jones, Wanda Knuckles, Norma Heistand, Janet McDonald, Richard Montgomery, Franny Eikenbary, Hap Montgomery, and Marilyn Montgomery**. His brother Rodger Montgomery is still missed. He passed away October 29, 2007.

Bob will also be deeply missed by his companion Paula Elliott of Hartford City and her sons, Jonathan Byrd, Joshua Byrd and Jeremy Byrd.

A private service honoring Bob’s life will be held Tuesday, prior to the public burial service, per his wishes. Graveside service will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday at Gardens of Memory, 10703 N. St. Rd. 3, Muncie, Indiana. Friends are invited to arrive at Gardens of Memory at 12:45 p.m. Tuesday. Park behind the office, to join Bob’s transition, to his brother Hap’s horse drawn carriage. Hap will give Bob his “last ride” to the gravesite.

Though Robert will be deeply missed, his family takes comfort in the memories he gave them, the love he shared, and the lasting example he leaves behind. His life will continue through the stories told, the traditions carried on, and the family he cherished so deeply.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Midwest Equine Trail Foundation, 3158 East County Line Road 200 South, Dillsboro, Indiana 47018.

“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day.”

Please visit WatersFunerals.com to sign the guestbook or share a memory with his family.