Podgorny, Jill (d. 1970)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1970 Dec 31 p. 11

Birth date:

text of obituary:

Elkhart Crossing Crash Claims Second Life

Goshen, Ind. — A railroad crossing accident in Elkhart last Nov. 27 claimed its second life with the death of Mrs. Richard F. Ward, 21, of Elkhart on Dec 13. She was the former Carol Whetstone, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Amos Whetstone of rural Middlebury.

Mrs. Ward was one of three passengers in a car driven by Jill Podgorny, Jimtown High School senior, when it was struck by a Penn Central diesel engine at a crossing near North Main Street. Miss Podgorny died instantly. Mrs. Ward had been in critical condition at Elkhart General Hospital ever since the accident. Two other passengers, Karen S. Holderman and Deborah Hartman, also were injured.

Besides her husband and parents, Mrs. Ward leaves a sister, Mrs. Rosaline Sayger of Middlebury, and a brother Donald of Elkhart. The funeral was conducted at Miller Funeral Home in Middlebury on Dec. 15, with Rev. Wilbur Yoder of Middlebury officiating.