Obituaries, December 24, 2023
Billy Joe Rubush
Billy Joe Rubush, age 87, of Tipton, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 21, 2023. He was born on March 8, 1936, to his parents, George Rubush & Roxie (Goodnight) Rubush. Bill married the love of his life, Darlene McCubbins Rubush on July 12, 1963. The two shared 58 wonderful years together before Darlene passed away in 2022.
Bill graduated from Jefferson High School in Kempton; class of 1955. After high school, he proudly served in the United States National Guard. Once Bill returned to civilian life, he began working for IN Gas Company. Eventually, he started his own pipeline business in Tipton. With a great deal of hard work and dedication Bill built a very successful business that he was proud of. To say he had a strong work ethic would be an understatement. In addition to his pipeline business, Bill was an auctioneer and also farmed 100 acres of land.
Bill was incredibly family oriented, and grateful to be a husband and father. He never knew a stranger and was incredibly outgoing. With his joyful spirit, he could always lighten your mood and usually make you laugh. Bill was helpful, caring, and so loyal. He believed in leaving others better than how he found them, and he will be missed beyond measure!
Those left to carry on Bill’s legacy of love are his daughters, Cindy Overdorf, Resa Rubush; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Bill was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, George & Roxie Rubush; wife, Darlene Rubush; siblings, Richard Rubush and Nancy Ripberger.
A graveside service celebrating Bill’s life will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at 1:30 PM at East Union Cemetery in Atlanta, Indiana with Pastor James Thurston officiating. A visitation for family and friends will take place from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home, located at 314 N. Main St. in Tipton, Indiana.
Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Rubush family in their time of need. Please feel free to leave an online condolence or share a special memory of Bill with his family on his tribute wall.
Memorial Donations in Bill’s honor may be made to the Humane Society of Lafayette (Almost Home), or Wounded Warrior. Envelopes will be available during visitation at the funeral home.
Mary Anabelle Prather
We gather here today to celebrate the life and cherish the memories of Mary Anabelle Prather, a beacon of love and joy who graced this earth from October 22, 1936, until December 21, 2023. Born under the Indiana sky in Kokomo, she remained a steadfast pillar of the community she loved so dearly, departing from this world in the very town that shaped her story.
Mary Anabelle was the beloved matriarch of a family that saw her not just as a mother, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother, but as the heart of their world. Her loving spouse, Marvin "Dewayne" Prather, stood by her side through the ebb and flow of life's seasons. Together, they raised a family that included their cherished children, Brenda Knisely, married to Bill, and Debbie Chancey, wed to Winford "Skip." Her legacy continued to blossom through her grandchildren, Lisa Harmon with her husband Brian, Jennifer McGregor with her husband Matt, Douglas Miller, Bryan Miller with his wife Nicole, Tiffany Chancey, Jesse Prather (companion Jenny Stuber), and Randy Prather. The branches of her family tree extended to her great-grandchildren, Quintin Howard with Kory, Abby McCrumb, Olivia McGregor, and Austin Prather with Taylor, and even to the tender smiles of her great-great-grandchildren, Kyler and Jonah.
Before Mary Anabelle was called home, she was preceded in her journey to glory by her parents, Albert and Hazel Mosier; her son, Cecil Prather; and her siblings, Paul Mosier, Bill Mosier, Rosella Mosier Davis, Nina Brunnemer, and Violet Raber. Each of them, no doubt, welcomed her with open arms at the gates of heaven.
Mary Anabelle's life was a testament to service and joy. She began her professional journey as the original Assistant Manager at Cone Palace, a position she held with pride and dedication. Her career path later took her to the sunny shores of Hollywood, Florida, where she served with compassion and care in various doctors' offices. Her voice, a vessel of her spirit, uplifted many as she sang in the choir during her high school years, in church, and at a couple of blessed unions.
Mary and her husband Marvin were members of Morning Star Church for many years upon moving back to Kokomo from Florida. They were part of the Faithful Followers.
Her interests were as varied as the many lives she touched. Mary Anabelle found solace and expression in crafts, creating beauty with her hands that reflected the beauty of her soul. Music and singing were not just hobbies but passions that resonated with the rhythm of her heart. Whether it was a hymn of praise or a lullaby of comfort, her voice was a gift she generously shared with all.
To speak of Mary Anabelle is to speak of love, laughter, and unwavering faith. She was a woman who embodied love in its purest form, showering it upon all who had the privilege to cross her path. Her humor was a wellspring of joy, a reminder that life, even in its complexity, is a journey to be embraced with a smile. Her faith was the cornerstone of her existence, guiding her through every trial and triumph with grace and assurance.
Today, as we bid farewell to Mary Anabelle Prather, let us hold tight to the memories that bind us to her. Let us remember her laughter, her songs, and the warmth of her embrace. Though she has departed from our sight, her spirit remains an indelible part of our lives, a guiding light that continues to shine from above.
In the words of Scripture, "Well done, good and faithful servant... enter thou into the joy of thy lord." (Matthew 25:21, KJV). Mary Anabelle Prather, you have indeed entered into that joy, and we are all the richer for the love and light you have bestowed upon us. Rest now in the arms of the Almighty, until we meet again.
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.
Elizabeth Ruth Hawes
Elizabeth Ruth Hawes, 69, of Kokomo, passed away on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital – 86th Street. She was born on March 20, 1954, the daughter of Ronald R. and Ella Ruth (Serr) Branch. On August 13, 1974, she married Dennis Wayne Hawes, and he survives.
Elizabeth graduated from Western High School. She enjoyed caring for her family and her time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Along with her husband, Dennis, she is survived by her children, Deanna Ruth Hawes and Benjamin A. (Ginger) Hawes; grandchildren, Reagan Elizabeth Hawes, Ressa Ruth Jewel, and Brandon Donovan Swank; great-grandchildren, Leon Jewel, Aiden Jewel, and Lily Jewel; and brother, Martin Branch.
Preceding Elizabeth in death were her, parents, Ronald & Ella Branch; and brother, Michael Branch.
In keeping with Elizabeth’s wishes, no public services will be held at this time. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory have been entrusted with cremation.