Obituaries, May 16, 2025

Rowena Ann Burlingame, Shirley Jane Muse

Rowena Ann Burlingame

Rowena Ann Burlingame, age 82, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Ann was born February 6, 1943, to Morris & Dorothy (Clark) Quick in Noblesville, Indiana. Ann met Donald Burlingame in Kenosha, Wisconsin, at church, which set the stage for a faith-centered life and legacy together. They married on October 24, 1970. Donald, who still affectionately refers to her as "his sweetheart," survives. She raised her children and served at Cornerstone Christian Church, where she was a member for 20 years before transitioning to Heartland Church, where she was a member until her passing. She lived a life of service outside her home as well, working for Sycamore Village for 30+ years, and is fondly remembered by co-workers as a bright spot in their day. Proverbs 31 says "a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised" and Rowena was known by everyone she encountered as that woman: a woman whose love for Jesus was woven into every part of her life and attitude towards others. She was also a woman who knew how to have fun. She loved listening to music. When she wasn't enjoying traditional hymns, she had a big love for Bob Seger. Even now, she and Jesus might be found "taking that old record off the shelf."

There was no one like her as a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was fiercely loyal and the epitome of unconditional love. She will be missed, but make no mistake, her family knows she is home, and they thank God for the blessing that her life was to each of them.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents Morris & Dorothy Quick and her sister Kay Roe.

Ann is survived by her husband Don, her children Shawn Burlingame and Karla (Steven) Hogan, her grandchildren Mercedes Lahr, Sancia Sparger, Jeriah (Kayla) Hogan, Stevie (Cala) Hogan, Michiaiah Hogan, Israel Burlingame, Seth Hogan, and Simeon Hogan, her great-grandchildren Lucas, Ethan, Sophia, Jude, Elijah, Xaelynn, and Calani, along with many siblings, nieces, and nephews.

A graveside funeral service will be Monday, May 19, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at Albright Cemetery, 3910 Albright Rd., Kokomo, IN 46902.

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.” - Psalm 116:15

Shirley Jane Muse

Shirley Jane Muse, 83, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away peacefully at her home on May 12, 2025. She was born November 3, 1941, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the daughter of the late Forrest and Marguerite (Nichols) Martin. Shirley was previously married to Clarence Birge from 1959 to 1961. She later married Gerald William Muse, who preceded her in death on March 15, 2014.

Throughout her life, Shirley found joy in many activities. She was a cheerleader and majorette during her high school years and remained active in her community by participating in women’s bowling leagues. A creative spirit, she enjoyed arts and crafts and had a deep love for motor sports, especially watching Sprint car, NASCAR, and the Indy 500. Shirley enjoyed family vacations in Minnesota where they went fishing. She loved Christmas, and it was her favorite time of the year.

Shirley is survived by her children Jeffrey Wayne (Rosalia) Birge, William Edward (Jennifer Lea) Muse, and Randy Lee (Haley Lawson) Muse, grandchildren Tarin Shea Muse, Kimberly Janae Birge, Christopher James Birge, Jennifer Susan Birge, Matthew Brian Birge, and Jessica Fortner, as well as niece and nephews Lori Martin, Anthony "Tony" Martin, and Timothy Martin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Gerald “Gary” Muse, stepfather Lum Smith, granddaughter Pamala Susan Birge, brother John Wayne Martin, and aunt and uncle Helen Nichols and Wilber "Bud" Nichols.

A funeral service will be held at noon Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.