Obituaries, December 17, 2023
Betty Jean Johnson
Betty Jean Johnson passed from her earthly home to her heavenly home on Friday, December 15, 2023, at the age of 98. Betty Jean, an only child, was born to Clair C. Thompson and Lois Ann (Brasfield) Thompson on March 2, 1925, at Darrough Chapel near Kokomo, Indiana. Betty jean is survive by three sons: Wayne ”Gene” Eugene (Dee) Johnson of Kokomo, IN, Jay C. (Beth) Johnson of Atlanta, Georgia, and Gary Michael (Michelle) Johnson, of St. Lois, MO.
Surviving are six grandchildren: Scott (Holly) Johnson, Richard C. (Chad) Johnson, Courtney (Chris) Martin, Kimberly (Judd) Whitney, Callie (Lance) Rodeman, And Cale (Bekah) Johnson; fourteen great grandchildren, Ethan, Lilly, Margot, Remi, Ava, and Finnley Johnson, Kennedy, Luke, and Katharine Martin, Addison and Natalie Whitney, Marlowe, Liam, and Glenn Rodeman; step grandchildren, Bryon and Kevin McLivoy, Tara (David Knop, D.D.S) Knop, and Chad Porter; great grandchild, Adline Rose Johnson; step great grandchildren, Aleyna, Annabelle, and Trey Knop; she is also survived by several cousins.
Betty Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Wayne, and great grandson, Cohen Johnson.
Betty Jean and her husband Wayne lived near the Greentown and Swayzee area for many years They enjoyed traveling after retiring.
She loved to read, word puzzles, music, and enjoyed teaching piano lessons.
Betty resided in Jefferson Manor Assisted Living Facility. She received special care and services. The family would like to thank Care Hospice for the services given to Betty by Tami, the RN and Melanie, the Care Hospice Aid.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd, Kokomo. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10:00 am until the time of service on Tuesday, at the funeral home. A meal will be served at Judson Road Christian Church, where she was a member, immediately after the funeral. Burial will be at Grant Memorial Park in Marion, Indiana.
Karen "Sue" Bowser
Karen "Sue" Bowser, age 65, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo. She was born in Tipton, Indiana to the late Cordell and Hassie (Boles) Dulworth on April 12, 1958. She was married to Barry Bowser and he survives.
Karen worked at Delco Electronics and was member UAW #292. Karen enjoyed playing golf, arts and crafts, and spending time with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed spending time with her dog, Dexter.
She is survived by her loving husband, Barry; two sons, Brad and Jeremy Marr; two daughters, Dusty and Sabrina Bowser; sister, Anne Moore; three brothers, Ray, Lawrence, and Larry Dulworth; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Deanie Lytle.
There will be a time of visitation for Karen on Thursday, December 21, 2023, from 11:00 A.M. until the time of service at 1:00 P.M. at Ellers Mortuary Webster Chapel, 3400 South Webster Street, Kokomo. Burial will follow to Windfall Cemetery. You may leave an online condolence for Karen's family at www.ellersmortuarywebster.com.
Richard “Rick” L. Mills
Richard “Rick” L. Mills, 72, of Kokomo, passed away on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at Community Howard Regional Health. He was born on July 2, 1951, the son of Clarence E. and Barbara E. (Pebernat) Mills. On April 19, 2002, in Kokomo, Rick married Teresa R. Reynolds, and she survives.
Rick worked in maintenance at Chrysler and retired after 30 years in 2006. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War from 1969-1971. Rick enjoyed playing pool, and horseshoes. He was and avid hunter and a member of the American Legion, and VFW, Post 1152.
Along with his wife, Teresa, he is survived by his children, Brian (Traci) Mills, Bernie (Brittany) Dockemeyer, David Combs, and Donnel Wright; brother, Larry (Christie) Mills; sister, Diana Valadez; and several grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and one on the way.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Charles Mills; and stepsons Charlie Buckner and Jade Cook.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at 4:00 pm, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd, Kokomo, with Pastor Kenny Cockrell officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2:00 pm until the time of service on Thursday, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the VFW, Post 1152. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Debora Mae Stephenson
Debora Mae Stephenson, affectionately known as Deb, passed away on December 13, 2023, at the age of 68. Born on October 27, 1955, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the late Evelyn Mason-Lee and Robert E. Lee, Deb's life was a testament to her enduring spirit and unwavering kindness.
Deb grew up in a loving family and was a proud graduate of Maconaquah High School. Her passion for helping others led her to pursue a career in nursing, culminating in a nursing degree from Indiana University Kokomo in 1989. Her dedication to the well-being of others shone brightly throughout her career, especially during her time with Caring Hands at Grissom Airforce Base. Even when her own health was not at its best, Deb's commitment to her patients never wavered.
Those who knew Deb will fondly remember her as the "makeup queen," a title she earned through her love of beauty and her talent for helping others feel their best. Whether it was a day of shopping or a makeup session, she brought joy and confidence to many. Deb's love extended to the kitchen, where she found great pleasure in cooking for her family and friends. She loved watching cooking and makeup shows tv.
Deb's intelligence, interesting conversations, and handy nature made her an invaluable part of her community and a beloved figure in the lives of those she touched. She possessed a rare combination of wit and wisdom that made her company both enlightening and entertaining.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with her sister, Janet Kendall, her daughter, April Donnelly, and her five grandchildren, Kara Acord, Joshua Snow, Shay Donnelly, Allison Donnelly, and Axton Donnelly. Each of them reflects a piece of her spirit and continues the story of her profound impact on the world.
In the words of Helen Keller, "What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." Deb's memory and the love she shared will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.
Deb's life was a beautiful illustration of the power of kindness, the strength of perseverance, and the joy of living each day to the fullest. As we say goodbye to Deb, we celebrate the remarkable woman she was and the extraordinary life she led. Her light, though no longer with us in person, will continue to guide and inspire us.
A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Debora Mae Stephenson will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her, but her spirit will live on through the countless lives she touched with her grace and compassion.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was chosen to handle arrangements for the family. Messages of condolence may be left at cityoffirstscremations.com.