Obituaries, April 17, 2024
Jerry Paul “JP” Lareau
Jerry Paul “JP” Lareau, 80, Flora, passed away at 8:20 am on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Milner Community Healthcare. He was born in Rensselaer on March 2, 1944, the son of the late Jerome and Dorothy (Saxton) Lareau. On October 18, 1969, he married Christine Railer in Cincinnati OH, and she preceded him in death on February 14, 2013.
JP graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1962 and attended the Cincinnati Bible Seminary. He worked for and retired from Zinn Custom Kitchens as a carpenter. He was a collector of stories and articles. JP loved reading and collecting all kinds of comics.
JP is survived by his son, Gregory Lareau; siblings, Verlin (Judy) Lareau, Joan (John) Davis, Allen (Anita) Lareau, and Thomas (Susan) Lareau; special friend, Guy (Karen) Studebaker.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife; and son, Michael Lareau.
The family would like to thank the staff at Milner Community Healthcare for the wonderful care they gave JP.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Burlington Cemetery, with Guy Studebaker officiating. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Sharon Phyllis (Chase) Doolin
Sharon Phyllis (Chase) Doolin, age 76, of Bunker Hill, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 14, 2024, with her loving family by her side. Sharon was born on February 18, 1948, to her parents, Arthur Phillip Chase and Mary Theresa (Maynard) Chase. On September 2, 1967, Sharon married the love of her life, Eugene Doolin. The two shared 41 years of marriage before Eugene passed away in 2009.
Sharon graduated from DuPont Manual High School in Louisville, Kentucky, in the class of 1966. She was always a very motivated person with a strong work ethic. Sharon owned and operated her own beauty shop (Sharon’s Cut & Curl) in Bunker Hill for many years. After closing her shop, Sharon worked for Area 5 for a number of years, and then ended up retiring from American Stationery in Peru.
Sharon was very active in her church, and her faith was very important to her. She was definitely a woman of God who led by example. Her family was precious to her, and she loved them unconditionally and sacrificially. Sharon had the honor of taking care of her husband for the last several years of his life. He was very ill with Parkinson’s disease. During that time, the beauty of Sharon’s heart really showed itself. Her family will never forget the countless sacrifice and love she exhibited for her husband. His care was taxing on her in every way, yet she gladly cared for him and counted it a blessing! The real beauty is that she didn’t even realize the impact she had on those around her; in her mind she was simply doing the right thing.
Truly, what Sharon did best in her life was love others! She enjoyed crocheting, and if you were even an acquaintance, you most likely have something Sharon made for you. She always had animals around her and treated them like they were her children. She loved music and made it a priority to spend as much time as possible with family. Sharon has left her family and friends an amazing roadmap to achieve greatness! Love led the way in everything she did; she will be missed beyond measure!
Those left to carry on Sharon’s legacy of love are her daughter, Stacey Lee (Tony); grandchildren, Dylan Lee, Kelsie Leach; great granddaughter, Raelynn Lee; sister, Brenda Stewart (David); step siblings, Relna Kayser, Debbie Page, Sheldon Page, Gary Page; best friend, Chris Solida; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Sharon was welcomed into Heaven by her parents, husband, and step siblings, Rita Tanner, Dorothy Green, Dolly Spangler, Delia Krause, Rosie Schofield, Carol Harris and Darrold Steffey.
A memorial service celebrating Sharon’s life will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Bunker Hill United Methodist Church, located at 100 E. Broadway St., Bunker Hill, Indiana. Visitation will take place prior to the service from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the church.
Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Doolin family in their time of need. Please feel free to leave an online condolence or share a special memory of Sharon with her family on her tribute wall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Sharon’s honor may be made to your local Humane Society.
Thomas Daniel Ryan
Thomas Daniel Ryan, 53, of Kokomo, IN, passed away April 12, 2024. He was born on June 19, 1970, in Kokomo, Indiana, the son of Michael Kent and Toni Lynn Ryan (Gourley).
Thomas graduated from Kokomo High School in 1988. He attended Indiana University and IVY Tech. Tom was employed at Chrysler in Kokomo for the past 30 years. He loved amusement parks, bowling, haunted houses, and being the wittiest man in the room. Tom was a member of the UAW 685. He loved his children more than anything in this world and was loved by all. Tom was always available to put the needs of others before his own.
Surviving relatives include his children, Anyssa Marie Hasan (Aleaf) of Brooklyn, NY; Kenzie Lynn Ryan (Dylan) of Kokomo, IN; Jordan Andrew Michael Ryan of Kokomo, IN; Alyson Courtney Ryan of Kokomo, IN; mother, Toni Lynn Ryan of Kokomo, IN; grandchildren, Aviv Ryan Hasan and Aidan Jace Hasan.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather Woodrow Daniel Ryan, Sr., grandmother Betsy Irene Ryan, grandfather Thomas Donald Gourley, grandmother Katie Lou Gourley, and father Michael Kent Ryan.
Visitation will be 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Monday, April 22, 2024, at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center. Funeral services 2:00 PM Monday, April 22, 2024, at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center 3400 S. Webster Street Kokomo, Indiana 46902. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery in Kokomo. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.
Betty Church
Betty Church was born August 26, 1926, in Howard County, Indiana, to Arthur and Dora (Creason) Robey. She died April 13, 2024, with her children by her side and under the loving and compassionate care of dedicated employees at the Legacy of Waterford, Kokomo. She always had the best room there no matter where she was moved. She always stated how lucky she was to have been able to live there.
Throughout her life, Betty was a hard worker, which undoubtedly contributed to her longevity. She often talked about carrying large bales of hay at her childhood home. After her mother's death, when Betty was just fifteen, she took over more of the household duties.
In 1949 she married World War II veteran James M. Peters. They made a home in Kokomo with James' daughter, Sylvia. In 1953 Betty gave birth to their son, David L. Peters. Their lives were rocked when Jim was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and although he fought valiantly, he died in 1959. During the marriage and after Jim's death, Betty worked at Stellite to support the family. In 1962 she married Donald Church in West Virginia. They lived in Kokomo and in 1965 their daughter, Rachelle Church, was born. In the late 1960s, they moved to Kansas where Betty was employed at Simmons Mattress. After her divorce, Betty and her daughter moved back to Indiana. Betty worked for JC Penney and Union Bank in Kokomo and cleaned several homes for additional income. All through her life, Betty used the sewing skills that her mother taught her. She was well known in the community, and she had several clients who utilized her services for alterations or custom sewing projects. She also volunteered and donated to many local charities and organizations and often assisted individuals who she felt could use a helping hand. She had a soft heart for veterans.
Betty is survived by her son, David (Judy) Peters; daughter, Rachelle (Darren) Groceman; stepdaughter, Sylvia Andrews; grandchildren, Kyle (Thea) Peters, Tyler Hesselman, Dalton Groceman, Kaylie Groceman, and Kiara Groceman; great-grandchildren, Lyra Peters, Remington Peters, and Paisley Hesselman; sister-in-law, Judy Robey; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents and listed siblings preceded her in death; Russell Robey, Clarence (Juanita) Robey, Harriet (Maurice) Taylor, Mary (Jack) Meador, and Robert Robey.
There will be a visitation for Betty on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Sunset Memory Garden, 2097 W. Alto Road, Kokomo, from 10:00 AM until the time of service, at 11:00 AM. Burial will immediately follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Friends of Howard Haven, PO Box 5073, Kokomo, Indiana 46904, or BSA Troop #628, 8352 East, 50 South, Greentown, Indiana, 46936.
Jerald Wayne Brown
Jerald Wayne Brown, a man of boundless humor, creativity, and friendliness, passed away on April 15, 2024, in Peru, Indiana, at the age of 62. Born on November 9, 1961, in Lancaster, Ohio, to the late James and Sue Ann Henderson Brown, Jerry’s early years in the heartland shaped a life that would be as expansive as it was deeply rooted in family and community.
Jerry’s academic journey led him to Auburn University, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science. His intellectual pursuits, however, were matched by a spirit of adventure and service. Before embarking on a career in technology, he proudly served his country by flying helicopters, a testament to his courage and dedication. Later, he would channel his leadership and technical skills into a fulfilling career that spanned several decades.
A pillar of his community, Jerry was a dedicated member of the American Legion and a staunch supporter of ABATE of Indiana, where he contributed his time and energy for many years. His commitment to these organizations reflected his unwavering belief in camaraderie and advocacy.
Jerry's zest for life was evident in his diverse interests and hobbies. He was an avid camper and a culinary enthusiast, often delighting family and friends with his cooking. His passion for sports led him to coach Little League, where he inspired young athletes with his enthusiasm and positive spirit. In the 1990s, Jerry's love for music found an outlet in his rock band, "Jokers, Death, and Taxes," where he shared his creative talents and brought joy to many.
In recent years, Jerry embraced the digital age with gusto, becoming a beloved figure on social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok, where he was known as @SEACHEFJERRY. His humorous and inventive videos brought laughter and light to a wide audience, further showcasing his innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
Jerry's legacy is carried on by his loving family, including his sons Micheal Brown (Malyssa), Scott Bronson, and Sean Bronson; his brothers, Jeffrey Brown (Terri) and Jason Brown (Jeanne); and his cherished grandchildren Brenyn, Jayden, Breanna, Nakia, Dontavious, and Braxton. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents James and Sue Ann Brown, and brother James “Jamie” William Brown. Each of them will hold dear the memories of a father, brother, and grandfather who taught them the value of humor, the importance of friendship, and the power of creativity.
Jerald Wayne Brown's life was a tapestry woven with the threads of joy, kindness, and imagination. His laughter will echo in the hearts of those who knew him, and his friendly demeanor will be remembered as a beacon of light in the lives he touched. As we bid farewell to Jerry, we celebrate a life lived fully, a life that left an indelible mark on the world, and a life that will continue to inspire laughter and love in the stories we share.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Carline Long-Rice
Carline Long-Rice, born on June 9, 1955, sadly passed away on April 11, 2024.
In loving memory of Carline, we celebrate a life that was filled with warmth, kindness, and unwavering strength. Services will be PRIVATE --NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
May she rest in peace, knowing that she made a positive impact during her time here on this earth. Carline Long-Rice will always be remembered with love and respect.
Waylon Wayne Pogue
Waylon Wayne Pogue gained his angel wings on April 9, 2024. He was the son of Sierra Ward and Dakota Pogue, and they survive.
Waylon is also survived by his grandparents, James and Kelly Kuntz, Steven & Michelle Pogue and Ashley Beheler and Paul and Tibia Ward; great-grandmothers, Rose Pogue and Sue Tinklenberg; uncles, Dakota Ward and Dalton Tinklenberg; and aunt, Shelby Ward.
Waylon was preceded in death by his brother, Maxwell Steven Pogue; great-grandfathers, Norman Pogue and Marvin Tinklenberg.
Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.