By Jenna M. Cotterman, MOT, OTR/L, CEHCH, COQS
Director of Operations, Bridge Home Health & Hospice
Recent reports of hospice fraud across the country have created concern among healthcare professionals, patients and families. While these cases are serious and deserve attention, it is important to recognize that fraudulent activity represents a small portion of the hospice industry. The vast majority of hospice providers remain committed to delivering ethical, compassionate and patient-centered end-of-life care.
Hilda E. Mumma, age 104, of Ada, passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Vancrest of Ada.
She was born on September 28, 1921, in Watkins, IA, to John and Selina (Brand) Schaad. On March 8, 1941, Hilda married Joe F. Mumma, and he preceded her in death on July 27, 1988.
Richard “Dick” Dukes, 70, went to be with Jesus on August 12, 2026, after a long and brave, nine-year battle with cancer. He was born on May 10, 1956, in Bluffton to the late Richard and Margaret “Peg” (Fox) Dukes.
Dick married Donna Kuhn Dukes and she survives. Also surviving are his sons, Derek (Cheyenne) Dukes, Drew (Laura) Dukes and a daughter, Erin Dukes; and five grandchildren, Kellen, Grayson, Kayne, Claire and Lucy.
The 4th annual Bluffton History Day featured three family businesses with oral histories that illuminated and entertained. The Fett, Gillett and Hankish families and their customers told of local shops that are fondly remembered many decades after they closed. Common threads in the stories about the hardware, bakery and confectionary businesses are the expertise, personalities and grit that were foundational to all three.
Recently, I returned from leading a Bluffton High School student trip to France, Monaco and Italy. This is the fifth trip on which I have been the lead teacher, but my sixth trip traveling overseas with students. And, often, my group of travelers includes parents or other adults who want to travel to Europe as well. This year, I appreciated the extra help from Vickie Garmon (BHS art teacher) as well as the parents on the trip. This was the largest group that has traveled with me, and these other adults helped to make this trip a success.
