Obituaries, January 18, 2024
Mr. Arvil L. Dodd
Mr. Arvil L. Dodd, age 93, of Pikeville, Tennessee passed away on Monday, January 8, 2024.
A public visitation for Arvil will be held Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home & Cemetery, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902. A funeral service will occur Friday, January 19, 2024, at 2:00 PM, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902. A burial will occur Friday, January 19, 2024, at 3:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, Kokomo, Indiana.
Nora Sue Zimmerman
Nora Sue Zimmerman, 82, Of Connersville went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at Hickory Creek of Connersville.
Nora was born October 27, 1941, in Tipton, the older of two daughters of Horace and Mary Ellen (Russell) Zimmerman and was a graduate of Tipton High School with the class of 1959.
Nora graduated from Ball State University with a degree in Physical Education. She taught Physical Education in Wabash for three years, Sharpsville for four years until moving to Connersville in 1970 where she taught until her retirement in 1997.
Nora attended Central Christian Church in Connersville and the West Street Christian Church in Tipton.
A very active community member, she volunteered at Fayette Memorial Hospital for 25 years, and had 8,100 hours of volunteer service. She was a member of the Connersville Country Club where she served on the Board of Directors for four years.
In her leisure time, she enjoyed golfing, fishing, reading, attending theater, and playing bridge. Nora was a 25-year member of the Rosie Reds Fan Club.
Survivors include a sister, Linda Molden of Millington, Tennessee; two nephews, Michael (Amy) Bunch and Scott Hartstock, all of Tipton; two great-nieces, Dakota (Prince) Bunch and Meghan (Sabastion) Conner all of Elwood; devoted caregiver, Denise Brochin of Connersville.
Nora is preceded in death by her parents and a niece Melisa Hartstock.
Family and friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, January 19, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home, 1704 N. Grand Ave. Connersville, Indiana, 47331. Reverend Jim Orr will officiate.
Visitation will also be conducted from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 20, at Young-Nichols Funeral Home, 216 W. Jefferson St. Tipton, Indiana, 46072. A graveside service and burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Tipton.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Fayette County Cancer Society, P.O. Box 480, Connersville, Indiana, 47331.
Online condolences may be made at www.young-nichols.com.
Denny Darold Dean
Denny Darold Dean, 86, Kokomo, passed away at 10:50 pm on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at Community Howard Regional Health Center. He was born in Otisco, IN on June 29, 1937, to the late Ernest Edward and Nellie Ann (Early) Dean. He married Shelvy “Jean” Smith on May 30, 1959, in Charlestown, IN, and she survives.
Denny worked for and retired from the Chrysler Transmission Plant. He was an avid fisherman who enjoyed his time at the reservoir. He was known as Mr. Jigs to all his fellow fishing friends. Denny loved his family dearly and there was never a baby in the family he didn’t want to hold. He loved his babies.
Along with his wife Shelvy “Jean” Dean, Denny was survived by his daughters, Deborah J. (Mark) Fulk, and Teresa E. (David) Carlile; grandchildren, David Fulk (special friend Abbi Mishler), Mikaylin Fulk, Joshua (Faith) Jackson, Jeanna Jackson, Ryan Carlile, and Haylee Carlile Cardwell,; great-grandchildren, Roxanne Billman, Alexandra Billman, Jonelle Jackson, Elena Rojas, Avery Hayen, Oakley Cardwell; siblings, Geraldine (John) Heal, Steven (Brenda) Dean, and Carol (Terry) Graves; and numerous nieces & nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Edward and Nellie Ann Dean; siblings, Ernest Dean Jr., Ralph (Roella) Dean, James (Marian) Dean, Norma (Homer) Cole, Madeline (Bill) Yates, Judith Wells, Loretta (Sherrill) Smith, and Wanda (Ray) Arbuckle; grandson, Mark “Adam” Fulk; great-grandson, Braylon Arturo Rojas.
A funeral service will take place at 10:30 am on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Stout & Son Funeral Home, 200 E Main St., Russiaville, with Pastor Lynn Brust officiating. A private burial will take place in Albright Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 4 pm to 7 pm on Friday, January 19, 2024, at the funeral home, and an hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort Inc, PO Box 11188, Nashville, IN. 37222-1180, Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital of Ascension St. Vincent, or Riley Children’s Hospital. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Isabella Rose Wright
Isabella Rose Wright, 11, of Kokomo, passed away peacefully her sleep the morning of Jan 10, 2024. Bella was born to Maurice and Kelly (Byram) Wright on Sept. 5, 2012. She was the youngest of 4 children and loved her siblings--Taliah, Reece, and Addison--like no other. She was a symbol of strength, love, and hope for her family and all who knew her.
Bella is survived by her parents, siblings, and many other family members, including: maternal grandparents Ron and Melissa Byram of Fishers, IN, and Rande and Kathy Smith of Nashville, IN; paternal grandparents Cornelius and Jolene Wright of Bloomington, IN, and Susan Stearne of Reno, NV; two great-grandmothers Mary Helen Miner of Kokomo, IN, and Portia Chandler of Indianapolis, IN, along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family.
Bella had a rare form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome and many physical and developmental challenges connected to that, but she never let that get in the way of her love of life. Her personality and smile could light up any room. And while she never verbally spoke a word her whole life, her voice was heard and felt by many.
Bella attended Bona Vista, Bon Air Elementary, and currently was in 5th grade at Pettit Park Elementary. She was blessed by so many amazing administrators, teachers, therapists, nurses, and staff over the years. Bella loved school and being around other children. She was learning to speak with her eyes through a communication device and loved to tell her classmates “Good morning” or ask to “go outside”. Bella loved the outdoors, especially those sunny, perfect temperature days in spring, summer, and fall.
Bella attended Grace United Methodist Church in Kokomo and was involved alongside her mom and siblings with Sunday School, VBS, Church Camp, and other Children’s Ministry activities. She especially loved spending time each summer at camp and the church cottage surrounded by the other kids, fresh air, and music. She rarely missed a Sunday morning and could often be found dancing and tapping her toes along to the Sunday morning music.
Bella was an athlete rider for Ainsley’s Angels, a nationwide inclusive running group. Together she and her mom ran many races around the state with Ainsley’s Angels, including four Indianapolis Mini Marathons of 13.1 miles. She loved to get in her racing chariot (stroller) or bike trailer and hit the local trails with her mom.
Bella rode horses with Equiventure in the summers and always had the most amazing time. She took part in Music Therapy for many years, and this brought her much joy. She loved playing the drum, picking songs on the iPad, and dancing right along to many Disney songs. She loved the song “Overcomer” by Mandisa. She always loved chillin’ on the front porch listening to music with her dad.
Bella was born into a Disney-lovin’ family and loved Disney princesses, characters, music, and cuddling with her siblings watching Disney movies. She was blessed to visit Disney twice in her life, including her Indiana Wish Trip with her family in 2019. She loved all the shows, characters, experiences, and her stay at Give Kids the World Resort in Florida.
Bella had the most amazing siblings who loved and cared for her non-stop. She loved being a part of all their activities and was frequently seen at their practices, performances, and sporting events. She was their number 1 fan. She also loved spending time with all her grandparents, aunts/uncles, and cousins. Bella showed everyone how to love big.
A Celebration of Bella’s life will be Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Grace United Methodist Church, 219 West Mulberry St #101, Kokomo, In 46901. Friends and family may visit from 11:30am until the time of the celebration service at 3:00pm. Everyone is encouraged to wear purple and/or pink in Bella’s honor. The service will be live streamed at http://facebook.com/kokomograce.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bella’s favorite organizations: Ainsley’s Angels of North Central Indiana, ℅ Kristi High PO Box 265, Russiaville, IN 46979. (Note NCI in the memo. Donations may also be made by PayPal or Venmo to Ainsley’s Angels--write NCI in the note), Equiventure Therapeutic Riding, PO Box 2573 Kokomo, IN 46904, or Give Kids the World, donations may be made online at https://www.gktw.org. Envelopes for Ansley's Angels and Equiventure Therapeutic Riding will be available at church.
John Taylor “JT” Puterbaugh
John Taylor “JT” Puterbaugh, 37 years old, of Peru, continued on his journey Home on January 13, 2024. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on January 17, 1986, the son of Pat and Lana (Duff) Puterbaugh.
John was a 2004 graduate of Lewis Cass High School, and he attended the Art Institute of Indianapolis. He was an artist, poet, skateboarder, and videographer. He won awards for his art and had published poetry. John edited and produced several skateboard videos. He traveled to skate parks across the United States. He had many friends in the art and skateboarding community. John was a free spirit who loved deep conversations, discussing abstract theories or books he was reading. He enjoyed connecting with people and was accepting of everybody with no judgement, no pretenses, and open to everybody he met. John was an intelligent and tender-hearted man who will be deeply missed by his friends and family.
John is survived by his parents, Pat and Lana Puterbaugh; daughter, Lanie Prater; brothers, Ric (Michelle) Burnette, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Cole Puterbaugh, Peru, IN; aunts, Pam Enright, Nancy Troyer; uncles, Jerry Wren, Mike Puterbaugh; nephews, Kory (Haley) Burnette, Clay Burnette; niece, Madison Burnette; cousins, Courtney Albright, Buddy Troyer, Michelle King, Christie Tragesser, Teresa Duff, Kim Harden, Maggie Duff, Rayna Porter.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Orville and Gladys Puterbaugh; maternal grandparents, Aaron Duff and Hazel Long; uncle, Von Duff; aunt, Cookie Wren; and cousins, Dee, Justin, Nick, Lindsay, and Leslie.
… Then one day. A magic day he passed my way. Though we talked of many things, fools, and kings. This he said to me, “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.” … This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2 to 4 pm Monday January 22, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 West Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. Memorial service will begin at 4 pm on Monday at the funeral home, with Pastor Jason Grant officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in John’s memory to the Great Faith Christian Center in Kokomo. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Steven Mitchell Wheeler
Steven Mitchell Wheeler, 79, Kokomo, passed away Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at his home. He was born December 6, 1944, the son of the late Stanley W. & Mabel (Gano) Wheeler. On September 4, 1965, at South Side Christian Church in Kokomo, he married Pamela S. Rubow who survives.
Steven was a 1963 graduate of Kokomo High School. He retired from Cuneo Press in Kokomo and Western Southern Life in Kokomo. He also worked for Ridgway Color in Ridgeway PA, Chemical Process and Supply in Dunkirk, NY and was owner & Operator of WSC Investments in Galveston, IN. Steven was a member of the Eagles Lodge, National Association of Life Underwriters, Cincinnati Ohio Ink Makers Club and founding member of Jaycee’s in Lydon, KY. He coached little league for several years at Lafayette Park and enjoyed basketball, bowling, golfing and gardening. He was a member of Reach Church in Kokomo.
Along with his wife, Pamela, Steven is also survived by his sisters, Cathy (Dan) Kanable and Sandra K. (Lisa Price) Wheeler; and his beloved special dog, Prince.
Steven was preceded in death by his parents; son, Mitchell W. Wheeler; and brother, Phillip A. Wheeler.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Friday, February 2, 2024, at Reach Church, 1520 N. Apperson Way, Kokomo, with Pastor Brian Hughes officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Steven’s memory to the Kokomo Humane Society. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.
Wayne Lewis Heflin
Wayne Lewis Heflin, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2024, at the age of 83 in Kokomo, IN. Born on March 30, 1940, in Anderson, IN.
Wayne graduated from Kokomo High School, where he laid the foundation for his future endeavors. He began his career at Continental Steel Mill, where he honed his skills and work ethic before venturing into entrepreneurship. For nearly 30 years, Wayne was the proud owner of Kempton Upholstery, where his creative talents flourished. He was a craftsman who took great pride in restoring beauty and comfort to the homes of many.
Outside of work, he enjoyed going for breakfast with his friends, where laughter and stories were shared over steaming cups of coffee. Wayne's love for gambling was more than a pastime; it was a way he connected with his wife and experienced the thrill of chance. He was also a remarkable cook, often found in the kitchen, experimenting with recipes and flavors to the delight of his family.
An animal lover at heart, Wayne had a special place in his life for dogs, cherishing their companionship and unconditional love. His artistic side was evident not only in his upholstery work but also in his paintings, which added color and life to the spaces they adorned. He enjoyed spending time at the campgrounds with his grandchildren, spending time by the fire and hiking in the woods.
Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Patricia G. Heflin, his daughter, Julia Swartz, his daughter-in-law, Ingrid Treffler, and his stepson, Rick Jones (Sherry). His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Jordan Agnew (JC), Paul Swartz, and Madison Swartz, as well as his step-grandchildren, Colby Jones (Stephanie).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Martha Heflin, his son, Tony Heflin, and his siblings, Ann Meeker, Mary Myers, Judy Parker, and step grandson, Jason Jones.
In remembering Wayne, we recall a man who loved deeply through his creative works and the warm memories he created with his family and friends. His presence will be dearly missed, but his spirit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known him.
We celebrate his life and the joy he brought into ours.
John Walter Anthony
John Walter Anthony, 83, died at 9:21 p.m. Saturday January 13th, 2024, at Community Network South Hospital, Indianapolis, IN. He was born in Kokomo, on December 6, 1940, the son of George F. Anthony, Sr. and Pauline R. (Mills) Anthony.
John graduated from Kokomo High School in 1959. He attended Ball State University and Indiana University. John retired as a System Application Product Developer.
Surviving are his three daughters, Teresa Huizar (Armando Huizar Sr.) of Wellington, CO; Tammy Gentry (Luanne McGowan) of Kokomo, IN; and Amber Martin along with two beautiful grandchildren Dustin Martin II and Amyra Martin of Greenwood, IN; two brothers and two sisters, George F. Anthony Jr. of Greentown, IN; Dr. Thomas G. Anthony of Kokomo, IN; Lona I. Butcher and Rose M. Causey of Kokomo, IN.
John was preceded in death by his parents.
Private services are being arranged by Ellers Mortuary. Burial will be at Crown Point Cemetery.
Charles Bagley
Charles Bagley, 88, of Peru, passed away peacefully Monday, January 15, 2024, at the Waters of Peru. He was born October 16, 1935, in Bunker Hill, Indiana to Edward Bagley and Mary O. (Young) Bagley. He married Mary Ann (Myers) LaVoncher, and she preceded him in death on December 27, 2020. Charles retired from the Railroad as a train conductor with many years of service.
Surviving family include is stepchildren, Kevin LaVoncher (Kathy Hrabovsky) of Arlington, TX; and Karen Chester of Mexico, IN. Surviving grandchildren include, Brandy Edwards, Will (Megan) LaVoncher and Elizabeth Greene. Surviving great grandchildren are Brylee Edwards, Brenden Edwards and John Plank. Also surviving are his five children, Ronald, Donald, Tamra, Cindy and John Bagley. Several nieces, nephews and other grandchildren also survive him.
Charles is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Mary Ann, stepdaughter, Kimbra LaVoncher and his siblings, Wendell Bagley, Frank E. Bagley, stepbrother, Morton Elwood Russell, Bertha (Beth) E. White and Mary Naydine Simmonds. He is also preceded by his favorite niece, Judy Jones.
No services are scheduled currently.