Obituaries, June 24, 2025
Linda Donovan, Virginia L. Billings, Mark Allen Fisher Sr., Judy K. (Helvie) Butcher, Mary Etta DeLoach, Troy Michael Hosler
Linda Donovan
Born September 14, 1953, at home in Union County, Tennessee, to the late Delpha Louetta (Rose) and Eddie William "Little Bill" Collins, Linda Donovan went to meet our Heavenly Father on June 21, 2025, with her husband Barry at her side. Although she is not with us, she finally pain-free.
The family moved to Kokomo, Indiana, in 1954, and Linda spent her years here. She graduated from Haworth High School in 1971 and later graduated from Ivy Tech in 2011.
She worked at Delco Electronics, Trialon Corporation, and Harrold Chandler Real Estate before retirement in 2015.
Linda is survived by her son sons Kyle A. Hutchins (Elke) and Kasey A. Hutchins (Brandi), plus five grandchildren Julia M. Hutchins, Karlee P. Hutchins, Kaleb M. Hutchins, Zoey E. Hutchins, and Jack A. Hutchins, and four great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by her husband Barry N. Donovan, who was blessed to be her mate for 43 wonderful years.
Linda has four sisters and two brothers: Dolly L. Westray (Wes); Billie J. Frederickson (Joe); Kathy D. Mackey (Bob); Glenda R. Crook (Ray); Eddie W. Collins (Susie); and the late Homer D. Collins; along with numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
Linda loved spending time with her family, being outdoors, crocheting, crafts, sewing, and her BFFs Mary Merrick and Jennifer England.
She had a heart as big as the moon and would often tell the grandkids she "Loved them to the Moon and back." She always found the best in people and had a kind word for everyone. Also, a lover of animals, it was not unusual for a cat or dog and even a deer to walk up to her, looking to be petted or get a treat. She will be greatly missed by all and remembered for the valiant battle she put forth the last two and a half years against cancer, and for being the most loving and wonderful mother, friend, Grammy, favorite aunt to many nieces and nephews, and purest soulmate one could imagine.
A visitation for Linda will be held Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. Funeral Services will begin at 1:00 PM with Entombment to follow. Share a memory with the family at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com
Virginia L. Billings
Virginia L. Billings, 95, of Kokomo, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Bloom of Kokomo.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 26, 2025, in Galveston Cemetery with Pastor Sean Cooper officiating.
No visitation is scheduled at this time.
Mark Allen Fisher Sr.
Mark Allen Fisher Sr., 86, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025, at Community Howard Regional Health Hospital.
Mark was born March 28, 1939, to John P. Fisher and Irene D. (Scott) Fisher. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, demonstrating the same quiet strength, dedication, and honor that he carried throughout his life.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran and friend. Mark shared 60 wonderful years of marriage with his loving wife, Norene. Their bond was a lasting testament to love, partnership, and faith.
Mark is survived by his loving wife Noreen Fisher and their four children Mark Fisher, Lori (Todd) Powell, Heather (Sam) Hall-Fisher, and Brenda Fisher. He was a proud grandfather to Adam (Tracey) Fisher, Ashley (Jacob) Ellis, Emily Maddox, Natalie (Jordan) Huffer-Davis, Caleb (Tabitha) Davis, Hannah Truax, Jared (McKenna) Ehase, Drew Hall-Fisher, Brandon (Abbey) Walters, Bryce Walters, Bryant Walters, Joseph Fisher, Trisha Fisher, and Anthony Fisher. Mark was also blessed with 19 great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and was survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother and sisters, and one cherished grandchild.
Mark had a deep love for the outdoors. He found peace and joy in fishing, gardening, and hunting. He also had a lifelong appreciation for music. His warm spirit, gentle humor, and deep devotion to family will be missed beyond measure.
Visitation will be held July 1, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston with funeral services to follow at 1:00 p.m. with Brother Erwin Early officiating. Burial will follow in Galveston Cemetery. Murray Weaver Funeral Home is honored to serve the Fisher family. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com
Judy K. (Helvie) Butcher
Judy K. (Helvie) Butcher, 80, of Lincoln, passed away Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Woodbridge Health Care Center in Logansport. She was born May 18, 1945, in Logansport to Raymond W. and Ruth (Carson) Helvie. She married Larry J. Butcher September 8, 1963, and he preceded her in death August 24, 1975.
Judy retired from Delco Electronics in Kokomo with 30 years of service, working 1968-1998. After retiring from Delco, she started her own cleaning business, working for several doctor’s offices and banks in the local area. She loved working in her yard and her flower gardens and enjoyed her cats immensely. She graduated from Tipton Township High School in Onward in 1963.
Surviving family include her children Tracey Newton and Tony Butcher (Telina Vanderpool), her grandson Michael (Rhea) Newton, and great grandchildren Layla, Brennan, Dawson, and Maisie. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings Norma Helvie, Connie Velez, and William Helvie.
In keeping with her wishes, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Murray Weaver Funeral Home is honored to serve Judy’s family. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com
Mary Etta DeLoach
Mary Etta DeLoach, 75, Kokomo, passed away at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, June 22, 2025, at her home. She was born February 5, 1950, in Antigo, WI, to Dale Robert and Jane Frances (Jessen) Lewis. On March 14, 1970, she married Marion Edward DeLoach, who survives.
Mary was a homemaker who enjoyed various craft projects and photography. Not a single negative word can be said about Mary’s love and devotion to her husband, children, grandchildren (Aubri and Graci), family, and friends.
Survivors include her husband Ed DeLoach, children Sherry L. Burgess and Joseph E. DeLoach, and siblings Dale R. Lewis Jr and Virginia L. Sekulich.
In keeping with Mary’s wishes, she will be cremated with no services planned. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.
Troy Michael Hosler
Troy Michael Hosler, aged 56, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025, in Kokomo, IN, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on April 30, 1969, in Tipton, IN, to proud parents Richard Hosler Sr. and Carol Kline Blessing, Troy was a beacon of light and joy to all who knew him.
A graduate of Haworth High School, Troy was known for his quick wit and boundless creativity. He had a passion for life that was evident in everything he did, from his love of gardening to the music that was always playing in his home. Troy's garden was his sanctuary, a place where he cultivated not just plants, but also the bonds of friendship and family.
Troy's laughter was infectious, and his sense of humor never failed to lift the spirits of those around him. He was a thoughtful man, always considering the feelings and needs of others before his own. His creative spirit found expression not only in his garden but also in the way he approached life's challenges, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth and learning.
He is lovingly remembered by his daughter Dawne Hosler Kellett (Ian) and son Brandon Michael Rork. Troy was a cherished grandfather to Evanii, Khloe, Blake, and Roman Kellett, who will miss his playful nature and the stories he shared. His brother Richard Hosler Jr. will carry forward the memories of their shared childhood and the bond they continued to nurture throughout Troy's life.
Troy's presence was a gift to his family, and his absence will be deeply felt. He was a man who took great joy in the simple pleasures of life, like the sound of laughter in his home, the warmth of the sun on his face, and the beauty of a well-tended garden. His legacy is one of love, laughter, and the importance of cherishing every moment with those we hold dear.
As we bid farewell to Troy, we do so with hearts full of gratitude for the time we were privileged to share with him. His spirit, a blend of humor, thoughtfulness, and creativity, will continue to inspire us. Troy's life was a testament to the beauty that can be found in the everyday, and his memory will be a guiding light for all who knew him.
In honor of Troy's life, we will carry forward the lessons he taught us: to find joy in the ordinary, to nurture the bonds of family and friendship, and to live each day with a generous and loving heart. Troy Michael Hosler will be dearly missed, but the impact of his life will be felt for generations to come.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com