"Our hearts go out to you. Keeping your family in our prayers... Hugs, Scott & Paula (Heinen) Schroeder"
In loving memory of
Savannah Labenz
December 23, 1994 - November 28, 2014
Taken from her loved ones much too soon, Savannah Labenz, Red as some called her, was the heartbeat of wherever she was. Vivacious, vibrant, and fun-loving, she was also one of the most adventurous and fearless people around. When Savannah loved, she loved with all her heart, and she was deeply devoted to the family and friends she cherished. She accomplished so many things of which to be proud during her short life, yet she was humble and gracious in everything she did. Although she was a perfectionist by nature, Savannah was also the queen of pranks as no one around her was safe, especially on April Fools Day. Life will never be the same without her here, but her spirit will remain forever in the hearts of all who were within her reach.
It seems only fitting that Savannahs journey began during a time that was as colorful as she was. It was the 1990s when technology was booming, which transformed the way we lived our everyday lives. Things were never the same after the birth of the World Wide Web in 1992, and it was joined by new gaming systems, cellular phones, and talking toys by the dozens in the technological age. It was just before Christmas, on December 23rd that Lyle and Shelly (Kiefer) Labenz welcomed their healthy baby girl into the world in 1994 in Columbia City, Indiana. Savannah Eileen was one of three children in her family, and was raised in the family home alongside her sister, Karissa, and her brother, Dakoda. She was a very lovable and content baby who was so easy to love. She was very shy by nature, which is surprising considering who she became. Also reserved at times, Savannah hated having anything to do with shots, and the only one who could get her to go get them was her beloved grandfather, Papaw. She stole his heart, and she was truly Papaws girl.
By the time she was two, a different side emerged in Savannah as she learned to embrace adventure by the thrill of the slides at the playground. In fact, she once fell off the slide and although she tried to convince her grandparents that she was fine, it became obvious that she had broken her arm as she tried to go back up the steps for another ride down. A true thrill seeker at heart as she grew, Savannah was not the typical girly girl, however, she was a very beautiful tom boy. She was game to try anything once, and Savannah had absolutely no fear. It was not uncommon for Savannah and her siblings to be out jumping off bike ramps that her Uncle Timmy built. Savannahs spirit of adventure was balanced by her tender heart. She loved animals and was forever trying to adopt an animal of some kind. On one such occasion she and her siblings snuck in a duck from the park, convinced that they could hide it in the bathtub without their parents finding out. Of course that thought was short-lived, but they were allowed to keep the duck.
As a teen, Savannahs adventurous personality led her to be a full-fledged thrill seeker. She love anything with wheels and speed including roller coasters, crotch rockets, 4-wheelers, and dirt bikes. It was also not uncommon to see Savannah tearing up the field with her dad in the Polaris RZR. She was always well dressed and loved hunting for bargains, but she also liked dressing in camouflage and cowboy boots. Savannah was very active as a student at Churubusco High School.
Very athletic, she rose to the top at any sports she played including basketball, softball, and flag football. She was so good at flag football that she was even recruited to be part of the all star team, but since it required traveling that would take her away from her family Savannah declined the offer. In addition, she was a member of the Ginger Club, Spanish Club, and the National Honors Society along with being on the homecoming court her senior year. As someone who excelled in her studies, Savannah always made the Deans List, too.
Of course Savannahs favorite part of the school year was spring break as it was filled with sun, sand, and plenty of family and friends. For years her parents took her along with her friends to someplace warm and chaperoned them all. Savannahs favorite spring break was in 2012 when they all went down to Panama City, both her girl friends and her guy friends, too. To her guy friends, Savannah was the little sister they never had.
In addition to holding down her studies, Savannah had various jobs as a high school student. Dunkin Donuts, Tenneco Automotive, and Tillys were just a few. She also worked at Taco Bell, and despite being one of their most reliable and hardest workers, Savannah was fired by someone who had stopped by from corporate and found her with a small, diamond stud off the lobe of her nose. This was so funny to her family since she would have never done anything that truly warranted being fired since she was such a perfectionist. Even Savannahs closet was perfectly organized and color coordinated. She also was forever rearranging homes whether it was her parents home, her boyfriends room, or even his house.
Poised for a bright future, Savannah was currently attending Indiana University Purdue University of Fort Wayne where she was focusing her studies on accounting and business management. Although she had wanted to play softball there, her shoulder prohibited her from doing so. As a result, Savannah focused on her studies even more. Her hard work paid off as she made the Deans List as well as the honor roll. Just last week, she was accepted by the National Accounting Society as a result of her exceptional grades. Additionally, Savannah was baptized at St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Churubusco and confirmed at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church in Columbia City where she also attended services.
A lifelong resident of Whitley County, Savannah Labenz had a contagious zest for life that made her such a joy to be around. She always wore a smile, and although she was very loving and caring she was also known to have an ornery side at times. Savannah will be deeply missed while her memory is forever cherished.
Savannah Eileen Red Labenz, of Churubusco, IN, died on Friday evening, November 28, 2014 at 11:30 p.m. Savannahs family includes her parents, Lyle and Shelly Labenz of Churubusco; sister, Karissa Labenz of Churubusco; brother, Dakoda Labenz of Churubusco; and grandparents, Tim and Jackie Smith of Columbia City and Gene Labenz of Humphrey, NE; aunts and uncles including, Doug and Mandy Kiefer of Carmel, Tony and Ashley Smith of Churubusco, Timmy and Brandy Smith of Claypool, Jim and Jane Wiehn of Humphrey, NE., Bill and Judy Greenough, Norfolk, NE., Dale and Patty Labenz, Columbus, NE., Jodi Labenz, Lincoln, NE.; godparents, Randy and Cara Ramaekers, of Lincoln, NE.; special family, Dave and Amy Crabill, of Churubusco; and loving boyfriend, Braden Coffelt. Savannah was preceded in death by her grandmother, Eileen Labenz.
Visitation will be Wednesday, December 3, 2014, from 2-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, December 4, 2014, at the funeral home with calling one hour prior. Father Gary Sigler will be officiating. Burial will follow at Eel River Cemetery, rural Churubusco. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the family who will be creating a scholarship fund at Churubusco High School.
Tributes
"My heartfelt condolences go out to the Labenz family I hope you find peace in knowing she will always be in your heart's sending love and healing prayers to you all"
"The Labenz family, We are deeply heartbroken to hear about the passing of Savannah. Although Mike & I didn't know Savannah well, we wanted to let you know that our thought & prayers are with your family & friends. May Gods peace, comfort and grace be with you all during this difficult time. Sincerely, Mike & Debbie & family."
"My heart goes out to your family.So sorry for you tremendous loss of your beautiful daughter daughter.May you know prayers are comming your way.God Bless you at this difficult time, Jackie Jarosz"
"Lyle, miriam and I would like to send our very sincere Condolences to you and shelly, while there are no words that can be said at this time to describe what you and your family is going thru, we will continue to pray for you and your family and may God Bless your family. Don"
"Tim and Jackie Smith and familySo sorry to hear about your loss, you are in my prayers."
"We are so sorry for the loss of your daughter. We offer our deepest sympathy."
"My prayers and deepest sympathy are with you.Please let me know of anything my family can do for yours. God bless you!"
"Shelly, Lyle and family, Our hearts are heavy with sorrow for your loss. Praying that you are comforted with God's loving arms surrounding you in the time of grief. Thank you for letting occassionally share in your family outings. We feel like we are part of the "Smith" family.Sincerely, Terri"
"To the entire family, My heart and prayers go out to all of you during this difficult time. I loved watching her tease Braylon about being his girlfriend."
"Labenz Family, So Sorry to hear of Savannah's passing, may you find comfort in knowing as a community we are all praying for you and your family, that God will heal your broken heart, and give you comfort and understanding at this difficult time for your family"
"our deepestsympathies to your family during this very tragic time. we are praying for much needed strength & peace for all involved.What a beautiful angel she has become"
"Lyle, Shelly and family, So sorry about your loss. We've been thinking of you and will be praying for you and yours."
"Shelly - My condolences for the loss of your beautiful daughter. My heart aches for you and your family.It's been a long time since we have seen eachother or spoken but please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May you and your family feel God's loving arms around you and the peace that comes only from him."
"The Rose Beyond the Wall A rose once grew where all could see Sheltered beside a garden wall And, as the days past swiftly by It spread its branches, straight and tall One day, a beam of light shone through A crevice that had opened wide The rose bent gently toward its warmth Then passed beyond to the other side Now, you who deeply feel its loss Be comforted, the rose blooms there It?s beauty even greater now Nurtured by God?s own loving care. Please know your familyhave our deepest sympathy and sorrow foryou loss. Our paryers are with you."
"My heart goes out to the Labenz family.Savannah , Alexis, and myself worked at Dunkin Doughnuts together.You could only imagine the fun times we all had together.Those times will never be forgotten.Rest in peace.Lord Jesus please wrap your arms around there family and give them extra care during theses hard times."
"So sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter, granddaughter and friend. She was my 3rd cousin, I never had the privilege to meet her, but would have loved to have known her. She sounds like a remarkable young lady. She will be so very missed but someday we will meet her just inside the eastern gate, over there. (HEAVEN) We are praying for all of the family that God will comfort you as only He can."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with all your family during this difficult time. What a beautiful young lady taken so soon. Only God knows why. Have faith and the good Lord will see you through. May God Bless and comfort you all. God Bless Milt and Marsha Grabner"
"My heart is breaking for you.So very sorry for your loss."
"Special prayers for the Labenz family, especially grandparents Jackie and Tim.Prayers for everyonethat God's love with shorten this time of deepest pain and confusion ."
"Our hearts are broken. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Savannah was a shinning light in everyone's lives. Her smile will shine on forever in our hearts."
"My family and I would like to give you and your family our deepest sympathyfor the lost of your love one. I too have lost several loved ones in death, andthe pain is tremendous, even with the passage of time. I found words of encouragement from God's word the Bible. The Bible speaks of death being an enemy that God never intended mankind to experience. In Isaiah 25:8, God promises that in the future he will actually swallow up death forever. You can put all your trust in God's promises. You and your family are in my prayers."
"To the Labenz family, I am so deeply sorry for your loss of Savannah. I have been and will continue to pray for you. Betty Wyman"
"SPATHIPHYLLUM was sent by Gregoski Family.Our prayers are with you, Emily Gregoski,Betty & Marvin, Bob & Cheryl, Kathy & Kevin, Bill & Mary And Families"
"So so sorry for the loss of her prayers to her family."
"Death leaves a heartache no one heal, Love leaves memories no one can steal.Savannah will be deeply missed and always remembered by family and friends. A beautiful tribute!!!!!When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.Our prayers are with your family."
"I am so sorry to hear about your lose. I can't begin to imagine I know what you must be going thru. I hope your faith will help guide you thru this horrible tradgedy. I am praying for all of you to find strengh to get you thru this. I know words cannot stop the hurt, anger and pain. I pray to God that he we help you."
"Accept our deepest sympathy. We are so saddened to hear of your loss. Hold on to the precious memories. Savannah was an amazing young women. She is very much a reflection of her parents. May God give you comfort as you bear this cross. Love and prayers, Mike & Jacque."
"Thoughts and prayers for you all in this tragic loss. May God give you the strength and peace to get through this together."
"Labenz Family, So Sorry to hear of Savannah's passing, although we did not know Savannah, we just wanted you to know that as a community we are all praying for comfort and understanding at this difficult time for your family & asking God to heal your broken hearts "
"Lyle Shelley and Family We are so saddened to hear the news of the loss of your beautiful daughter and sister.Please know we are praying for you and thinking of you in this very difficult time. Kenny and Donna"
"We just wanted to let you all know how saddened we were to hear of your loss of Savannah. She was a beautiful person and will be missed greatly by those that knew her. You are all in our prayers at this difficult time. Brian, Lori, Beth, and Cody"
"Lyle,Shelley, Karissa, Dakoda, Jackie and Tim... So very sorry for your loss. Our prayers go out to you."
"Lyle & Shelly and family; Prayers and sympathy go out to all of your family, our extended family, on losing Savannah.We trust in God and all his works and the plans He has for us.Blessings on all the Labenz family. Kevin & Kathy Carson, Brent & Kim Wysocki, Emily Wysocki, Joshua and Cecelia Carson"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.May God bless you."
"For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not parish, but have ever lasting life. John 3:16God loves you! and we thank Him for that promise."
"Dear Lyle and Shellie, Pam and I were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family."
"Shelly - My condolences for the loss of your beautiful daughter.My heart aches as a mother for you.We may not be in contact but please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as you face the coming days ahead.May God wrap his arms around you and comfort you in this trying time."
"Shelly & Lyle, Our hearts go out to you with the loss of Savannah.There is nothing one can say other than stay strong for the siblings and family.Cherish the memories and celebrate her life with each day going forward. God Bless, Tom, Brenda & Family"
"Lyle, Shelly, Karissa, and Dakoda. We were very saddened to hear the loss of your beautiful bright young Daughter Savannah. My sincere condolences to you and your entire family at this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with you. "
"Lyle and Shelly and family:I know it's been a long time, but I want you to know you are still so close at heart.I can't stop thinking about you, and want you all to know that I'm praying for you.Our only hope is the promise that we will all be together again.Sometimes things just cannot be made sense of."
"We feel so helpless in the face of this tragedy. There are no words to express the sympathy we have in our hearts for you. Nothing we can do to heal your aching hearts. Only God can help you through the loss of this amazing young woman. Savannah brought joy to everyone who was blessed to have her in their lives. May God be with you today and forever."
"The Harbor Sweets 30 piece Gift was sent by Doug Dole.Lyle, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Doug and LeeAnne Dole"
"Lyle, Shelly, and Family..... Our condolences for the loss of your beautiful daughter. Thoughts & prayers go out to you all."
"Lyle, Shelly, Karissa & Dakoda, Sending you our deepest sympathy. May you find comfort in your fondest memories of Savannah. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Steve & Karen Wieser"
"May God bless you in this time of the loss of Savannah"
"Our hearts ache for you during this loss.May you find comfort and peace in the many loving memories you hold in your heart. "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted".Matthew 5:4"
"Lyle and Shelly and family, We are so very deeply sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter and sister Savannah. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you during this extremely challenging period in your lives."
"Savannah is so fondly remembered.All the Kuznars are so sorry for you loss.Eric has such fond memories - our thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"So sorry to hear of your loss. i too have a child that was full of life in 1995 so i know your sorrow. we never know what to say at this time of need to those who have lost loved ones. But one thing that helped me was my faith in the lord . He helped me to understand threw prayer. And friends will help remember her often love and prayers go out to your family"
"I am very sorry for your loss. God has a plan for everyone, especially Savannah."
"SPATHIPHYLLUM was sent by Northeast Indiana Thunderboltz.With deepest sympathy to you and yours. We will be retiring #2 for our organization in honor of Savannah "Red". Your Thunderboltz family, Scott, Al, Ron, Lisa, Chris, Mindy, coaches, players and parents "
"My sincere condolences for your loss."
"May each of you find courage to face tomorrow as you rest in the knowledge that we truly care about each of your needs and that we will walk beside you in your journey of grief. Randy Grimes, Brett Gerber and the Staff of DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home"
"Our prayers are with everyone involved in this tragedy."
"We may not be blood family but blood could not bring us any closer. I have considered you my cousin ever since you were born. The memories I have of us playing together when we were little will never fade. I will see you again someday and until then shine as the beautiful angel that you are. Love you red!"
"All my thoughts and love are with you as you are in a challenging part of life. Feel the love of family and friends. Cherish the love and memories. Prayers are with you!"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family right now and especially in the days to come."
"Dear Lyle, Shelly, Karissa and Dakoda, We are so sorry to hear of Savannah's death. This is a beautiful life cut way too short. You have our deepest sympathy and our prayers. Love to you all. Jim and Beth"
"Lyle and family So sorry for your loss.Our prayers are with you and the family"
"I am so sorry for your loss.Such a beautiful and talented girl.She will be missed by many.My prayers go out to your entire family during this time of immeasurable sadness."
"Kyle and Shelly, we are so sorry for your loss. There are no words that we could say that would comfort you in this time of great pain. Please know our hearts go out to you all and that you are in our thoughts and prayers. God be with you and give you the much needed strength to get through this difficult time."
"I am just so very sorry. I've been thinking of you all non stop since I heard of your loss. There are never any words at times like these that will convey how truly sorry I am. All I can say is I will be praying for you all daily. I pray that you know you are all loved and may God somehow give youpeace in your hearts. love and prayers. Alysia Mossburg Hammel and Family"
"So sorry for your loss! I pray that the Lord lead you and provides you peace. All of your family are in my thoughts and prayers!"
"Our deepest regrets for you and your family. when she was baptized into Christ and put on Christ and that is her saving Grace. May you be able < with the help of God endure your loss knowing you will be together again in heaven. Love ya Keith and Carol"
"My sincere condolences for your loss."
"You're in my thoughts & prayers, I am so sorry, cherish the memories!"
"Savannah was a very sweet girl, and will be very missed. I've never heard her speak ill of anybody and she was always so kind and the first to give you a smile when you were down. Our deepest sympathy to the Labenz family."
"Praying for peace and comfort that can only come from God during this difficult time."
"Lyle, Shelly & family, Sending prayers your way, so so sorry for your loss."
"Labenz Family~ We are so sorry to hear of Savannah's passing. May God give you strength and courage during this time. Our prayers are with you. Bill Gregoski Family"
"My prayers are with your famil.y"
"My deepest sympathy. I remember Savannah from CES, when I worked there. She was a sweet little girl. My heart breaks for your family in the loss of this beautiful young lady. May God surround you with his peace. Prayers to you all."
"We are so sorry for your loss. She was always such an energetic girl with a smile on her face, and I always enjoyedhaving her in my classes throughout her school years. She was a such a great friend to Taylor and will be missed dearly.Our thoughts and prayers are with your family."
"I am so sorry to hear of your loss-my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Patty"