Obituaries, January 10, 2024
Steven Richard Jenkins
Steven Richard Jenkins, 78, of Goshen, went home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Friday, January 5, 2024, at Goshen General Hospital. He was born May 29, 1945, in Kokomo, the son of Richard Lamoine and Carolyn Rachel (Miller) Jenkins. On August 28, 1966, he married Gale Sue Perry, in Kokomo, and she survives.
Steven graduated from Kokomo High School in 1963 and attended Purdue University. He worked as a manager for Woolworths and Kay-Bee Toys and Hobby and owned and operated a tackle shop. He also worked in a small factory in later years of his career. He enjoyed fishing, camping, canoeing, going to state parks, and spending time with his family. Other hobbies included woodworking and woodburning and genealogy. He was a member of First Friends Meeting, formerly Union Street Meeting. Steven was a kind and generous man and a loving husband and father. He will be dearly missed by all his friends and family.
In addition to his loving and caring wife of 57 years, Gale Jenkins, survivors include his son, Andy (Kim Smeltzer) Jenkins, Nappanee; daughters, Jennifer (Jon) Jenkins Summers, Punta Gorda, Florida, and Stephanie (Allen) Jenkins Brandys, Del Rio, Tennessee; grandchildren, Aaron Jenkins, Goshen, Emily Summers, Punta Gorda, Florida, Krista Zipser, Rochester, Caitlin Brandys, Maggie Valley, North Carolina, Shelby Summers, Ft. Myers, Florida; Savannah Brandys, Del Rio, Tennessee, Cheyenne Brandys, Cullowhee, North Carolina, Kiana Brandys, Waynesville, North Carolina, Amanda (Ethan) Jenkins Haldaman, Nappanee, and Morgan Jenkins, Nappanee; great-grandchildren, Elysia Zipser, Rochester, Bentley Faulkner, Granger, Naomi Brown, Punta Gorda, Florida, and MaKenna Jane Jenkins, Elkhart; brother, David (Baoling Zhao) Jenkins, of Murchison, Texas; sisters, Bev (Dave) Jenkins Stokes, West Chesterfield, Missouri, and Judith (Danny) Jenkins Sheridan, Kokomo; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Carmen Louise Jenkins; and grandson, Benjamin Summers.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Goshen General Hospital for the special care they gave Steven.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd., with Pastor Jamie Lyon officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday at the funeral home. Contributions may be made in Steven’s memory to the Moose Carden Kids Fishing Clinic or the Salvation Army. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Jennie Marie Toren
Jennie Marie Toren, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and nurse, and Christ follower, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2024, in Kokomo, Indiana. Born on July 4, 1941, in Three Oaks, Michigan, Jennie was the daughter of the late Henry and Mary Catherine (Herman) Good. In 1974, she married Edwin Toren, who preceded her in death on November 8, 1989.
Jennie lived a life full of love, care, and dedication. Jennie's faith in Jesus was the cornerstone of her life. She found joy in the simple things, like sharing a slice of pizza with family, cheering on her beloved Chicago Bears, playing with dogs, and creating beautiful needlepoint pieces.
For many years, Jennie served as a dedicated nurse at Munster Community Hospital, where she touched countless lives with her compassion and care. She will be remembered for her gentle nature and her unwavering love for her family and friends.
Jennie is survived by her son, Joseph (Allison) Toren; and her two grandchildren, Alexandria and Xavier.
In addition to her beloved husband, Edwin Toren, Jennie was preceded in death by her parents and siblings.
A funeral service honoring Jennie’s life will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 12, 2024, at First EPC, 2000 W. Jefferson St., Kokomo, with Pastor Joyce Harris officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd., Kokomo. Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at Chapel Hill Gardens South Cemetery, 11333 S. Central Ave, Oak Lawn, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to First EPC in Jennie’s memory. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Richard Lee Umbarger
Richard Lee Umbarger "Rich", age 75, passed away peacefully at home on January 2, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief illness from pancreatic cancer.
Richard was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, on September 16, 1948, and was raised in Indianapolis by his father, Paul Umbarger, along with help from his grandmother and his aunt. He attended Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis, and worked at RollerLand roller skating rink where he met his future wife, Loretta. After graduating from high school, Richard enlisted in the United States Army, and proudly served his country in Vietnam. When he returned home after the war, Richard and Loretta were married on June 29, 1970. After being married in Lockport, Richard and Loretta settled down in Joliet, Illinois and couldn't wait to start a family of their own; their children have meant the world to them.
He worked at GM-Electromotive Division for 20 years, beginning in the 1970s. He was an elected union official and loved helping out at the UAW Local 719 union hall. In 1990, he transferred to Delphi-Delco Electronics in Kokomo, Indiana, where he was active with the UAW, Local 292 Union.
During his retirement, Richard passionately enjoyed serving the Veterans' community, including charitable events at the Kokomo Forty and Eight. He was a member of the American Legion Post Number 6, Legion Riders Club, and additionally VFW Post 1152, where he helped organize and provide military honors at fellow Veteran's funerals throughout the past 15 years in the Kokomo, IN and surrounding area. Richard was a Harley-Davison motorcycle enthusiast, who enjoyed riding at every possible opportunity, including occasional road trips to Alabama for family reunions.
Richard will always be remembered for his love of his giant extended family, as well as his dedication to putting in a hard day's work and providing for his family. We couldn't have asked for a more devoted grandfather, with a boisterous and loud personality that we will never forget - he will live on in our hearts.
He is preceded in death by his father, Paul L. Umbarger; mother-in-law, Margaret V. Bolan and one sister-in-law, Rita Parker.
Richard is survived by his loving wife Loretta Umbarger; his five devoted children, Wendy (Daniel) Pitts, Jeffrey Umbarger, Richard "Richie" L. Umbarger Jr., Sandra (Damon) Johnson and Jason Umbarger; his grandchildren, Arianna Shuler, Cailee Morgan, Trent Umbarger, Brittany Jackson, Alyssa Price, Hanna Jackson, Aidan & Devon Pitts; great-grandchildren, Waylon Morgan, Cameron Tackett, Grayson Umbarger, and Lynleigh Morgan. He is also survived by his cherished siblings-in-law, who became his sisters and brothers in this life, Byron (Chris) Bolan, Rex Bolan, Barbara (Ranny) Lott, Glenda Mason, Gordon (Sara) Bolan, Janice (Mark) Orsini, Gregory A. (Jackie) Bolan and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 12, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd., Kokomo, with Pastor Jason Grant officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Army and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the funeral home. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Betty Lou (Elliott) Hines
Betty Lou (Elliott) Hines, 84, formerly of Walton, went to be with the Lord at 2:35 pm Sunday January 7, 2024, at the Waters of Tipton. She was born in Kokomo, IN, on April 14, 1939, the daughter of the late Paul and Lucille (Bruner) Elliott. On August 23, 1959, she married Larry Eugene “Gene” Hines at Upper Deer Creek Church, and he preceded her in death on January 13, 2018.
Betty Lou was a 1957 graduate of Young America High School. She was a faithful homemaker and farm wife. She often helped deliver meals and had picnics out in the fields. Betty Lou was a devout member of Upper Deer Creek Church in Galveston. She was a member of the Sunshine Organization in high school and a 10-year member of 4-H Club.
She is survived by her daughters, Debbie K. Hines, Bethanne (Jeff) Larkin; grandchildren, Megan (Joel) Levi, Morgan (Kirk) Irwin, Jeff (Courtney) Stout, Madison (Skyler) Boruff, Jacob Wallace Stout; great-grandchildren, Ava Glenn, Cameron Glenn, Dawson Irwin, Mitchell Levi, Callen Irwin, Drew Irwin, Wrigley Boruff, and another great-grandchild on the way.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and husband.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 pm to 7 pm Friday January 12, 2024, at Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel, 200 East Main Street, Russiaville, IN 46979. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 am Saturday January 13, 2024, at Upper Deer Creek Church, 5019 East County Road 1400 South, Galveston, IN 46932, officiated by Pastors Joe Coffin and Mark Davis. Burial will follow in Walton Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Betty Lou’s memory to Upper Deer Creek Church. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Betty Lou’s grandsons Jeffrey Kennard Stout and Jacob Wallace Stout. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
James Martin
We share in this time of grief, but also share in the love and memories of Mr. James Martin. James was born on Aug. 28, 1942, and passed away on Jan. 2, 2024.
Visitation for James will take place Sat., Jan. 13, from 10-11 a.m. at Second Missionary Baptist Church, 818 N. Apperson Way. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m.
James V. “Jim” Hollingsworth
James V. “Jim” Hollingsworth, 84, of Galveston also known as “Hollywood” to his co-workers at Chrysler, passed away peacefully with his family by his side Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at his home. He married Elizabeth “Betty” Miller on February 3, 1967, in Peru, Indiana, and she survives.
Jim was a welder by trade and retired from Chrysler Transmission in Kokomo with over 31 years’ service. He had many interests including antique cars, woodworking, fishing, target practice, tractor pulls, NASCAR, camping, and traveling all over the United States. Jim and Betty traveled to all but four of the states during their lifetime. One of his favorite things to do was riding his wheel horse garden tractor. He enjoyed yardwork and keeping everything in shape. He was a wonderful “Papaw”, always telling each of his grandchildren they were his favorite. He was a jokester always telling something funny to family and friends to keep them on their toes. He also truly enjoyed time spent at the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. He was a member of UAW Local #685 and the NRA. He attended United in Faith Church formerly Galveston United Methodist in Galveston. Papaw made the world a better place and we will miss the light he brought to everyone’s life.
Surviving family include his beloved wife Betty of Galveston, his children, Randall Householder of Greentown, IN; Bruce (Renea) Hollingsworth of Madera Beach, FL; Randy (Candace) Hollingsworth of Palmetto, FL; Gary Hollingsworth of Peru, IN; Lori Monroe of Logansport, IN; Mandy Hollingsworth of Peru, IN; and son-in-law, Leon S. Peck of Franklin, TN. Surviving grandchildren include, Leon (Chelsea) Peck of Nashville, TN; Daniel Peck of Cordova, TN; Sean Peck of Franklin, TN; Nathan Peck of Franklin, TN; Matthew Hollingsworth of Clearwater, FL; Dane (Dee) Householder of Clinton, IN; Tyler Monroe of Logansport, IN; Nicholas Titus of Logansport, IN; and Jessica Barber of Bradenton, FL. Surviving great grandchildren are Lexy (Seth) Parsons of Peru, IN; Kaydence Hollingsworth, of Peru, IN; and Madison Hollingsworth of Arizona. He is also survived by one great-great granddaughter, Veda Parsons of Peru, IN. Two sisters survive, Mary Ellen Campbell of Peru, IN; and LuAnn Griffith of Dayton, OH. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Cynthia Diane Householder Peck and siblings Brenda Reed, and Jeff Griffith and his beloved dog Angel.
A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston with Pastor Doug Benham officiating. A time of visitation will be held prior to services from 12:00 noon until service time at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be given to Cancer Research or United in Faith Church in Galveston. Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston has been entrusted with arrangements. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com.
Charlotte M. Eaker
Charlotte M. Eaker, 82, of Walton, passed away at 4:55 a.m. Sunday, January 7, 2024, at her home. She was born May 11, 1941, in Bulls Gap, Tennessee to George and Ethel (Roark) White. She married Cledith “Dale” Eaker on December 16, 1967, and he survives.
Charlotte was a homemaker and farm wife. She enjoyed her family and reading. Surviving family include her husband Dale Eaker of Walton; her children, Sabrina (Jon) Ingold, Clinton (Tammy) Eaker, Dale (Peggy) Eaker, Jeannie (Tom) Risher, Rhonda (Mike) Hansen, and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters, Mary Dean, Norma Young, Shirley Bruner, Rosie McCameron, Margaret Ailor, and Brenda Washington. She is preceded in death by her parents, one sister, and two brothers.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday, January 15, 2024, at Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston. Funeral services will take place at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at the funeral home with Pastor Sean Cooper officiating. Burial will follow in the Galveston Cemetery. Murray Weaver Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com