Obituaries, May 2, 2025

Jo Ann Cooper, Ann White, Richard “Dick” Allen Sprague, Brian Scott Davis (Shrock), Tari Jo Belt

Jo Ann Cooper

Jo Ann Cooper, age 84, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

A funeral service for Jo Ann will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, IN 46902, followed by a visitation from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Ann White

Ann White, 77, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away at 7:34 p.m. on Monday, April 28, 2025, at Ascension St. Vincent in Kokomo. Born January 30, 1948, in Kokomo, she was the daughter of the late Dewey and Ruth (Tull) Wright. She married Michael Alan “Mike” White on April 18, 1970. They shared nearly 50 years of marriage before his passing on January 15, 2020.

Ann graduated from Kokomo High School in 1967. She retired from Chrysler Corporation in 2008 after a dedicated career. She was a member of Radiant Life Church and was known for her warm spirit and generous heart. Ann loved reading, shopping, going to casinos, visiting the beach, spending time on her front porch, and connecting with people. Her love for her family and her cats brought her great joy. Ann’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Ann is survived by her daughter Carrie (Cori) Wills, siblings Danny (Mary) Wright, Larry (Carol) Wright, Curtis (Debbie) Wright, and Lorrie Sue Shelton, nephews Christopher (Ashley) Bandy and Daniel “Hoss” (Kim) Wright, and great-nieces and nephews Daniel Wright, Sophia (Logan) Mason, and Madi Bandy.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, husband Mike, and her son Brian Alan White.

A funeral service will be held at noon on Monday, May 5, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Jeff Haill officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service Monday at the funeral home.

Richard “Dick” Allen Sprague

Richard “Dick” Allen Sprague, 89, of Kempton, passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Waterford Place in Kokomo, Indiana. He was born on April 3, 1936, in Kenosha, Wisconsin to his parents Jesse W. & Martha A. (Winship) Sprague. In 1956, Richard married Eleanor Reinhart after they met at Lincoln College in Fisher, Illinois. She preceded him in 2007. In 2011, Richard married Kathleen Lane in Decatur, Illinois. They made their home in Kempton, Indiana, for nine years before returning to Kathleen’s hometown of Decatur, Illinois, in 2020. She survives.

Richard attended elementary and high school in Farmer City, Illinois. He attended Lincoln Bible Institute in Lincoln, Illinois, and Louisville Bible College Louisville, KY, where he received the Master of Theology degree and taught classes for three years. He also took classes among several universities for special studies. He was ordained to the ministry by First Christian Church of Farmer City, Illinois.

Richard served as minister in Illinois in churches at Yorktown, Prophetstown, Morrison, and Sterling, helping to establish some as new congregations, and in Kempton, Indiana. He worked at various jobs as he started the new churches, including writing as a reporter for several newspapers.

In 1975 Richard became the first staff member of International Disaster Emergency Service, Inc, (IDES) founded by Milton Bates of Marion, IN, in 1973. He served in several capacities for 27 years before retiring in 2001. Richard worked with board members to help IDES grow into a world-wide disaster relief mission.

Those left to carry on Richard’s legacy of love are his wife Kathleen Sprague, children Stephen (Joetta), Gary (Julie), and Terry (Jill), stepson David (Tammy) Lane, and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Richard was welcomed into Heaven by his parents Jesse & Martha Sprague, sister Shirley Coppenbarger, stepson Tim Lane, and stepdaughter Gerry Banks.

A service celebrating Richard’s life will take place on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Kempton Christian Church, located at 202 W. Washington Street in Kempton, with Pastor Larry Sims officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the church. Burial will take place immediately following the service at Kempton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Richard’s honor can be made to IDES at 355 Park 32 West Drive Noblesville, Indiana 46062.

Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Sprague family in their time of need.

Brian Scott Davis (Shrock)

Brian Scott Davis (Shrock), 53, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away April 30, 2025. He was born on March 13, 1972, in Kokomo, Indiana, the son of Marvin and Sandra Davis (Shrock).

Brian loved is family very much. He also was a big wrestling fan and enjoyed playing video games and karaoke.

Surviving relatives include his mother Sandra Davis of Indianapolis, IN, cousin Kevin Burdine, and nephew Kyle Davis.

He was preceded in death by his father, grandparents, and brother Robert Davis.

Visitation will be 12:00 AM - 1:00 PM Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home. Funeral services 1:00 PM Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery in Kokomo, IN. Share a memory with the family at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com.

Tari Jo Belt

Tari Jo Belt, a cherished matriarch and beacon of warmth within her community, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025, in Kokomo, IN, surrounded by the love of her extensive family. Born on March 1, 1955, in Peru, IN, Tari's life was a testament to her friendly disposition, intelligent mind, and generous spirit.

A proud graduate of Haworth High School and Indiana University Kokomo, where she earned a business degree, Tari's professional journey was marked by dedication and care. She offered her nurturing presence to the children at City of Firsts Daycare for a decade before sharing her talents with Big Lots for over 20 years. Her work ethic and commitment to service touched many lives and left an indelible mark on those who had the pleasure of working alongside her.

Tari's life was enriched by her love for her family. Companion Danny Wallace was the guiding star for her children Angela (Carlos) Miles, Chris (Raina) Belt, and Matt (Melissa) Belt. She also held a special place in her heart for her stepchildren Michelle (Bill) Wilson, Danielle Wallace, Jaylyn Eyer, Amanda Wallace, Zack Wallace, Joe (Kylie) Parvin, and Jeremy Wallace. Her family was her pride and joy, extending to her 34 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, whose achievements and milestones she celebrated with unwavering enthusiasm. Although her stepdaughter Serria preceded her in death, Tari's love for her remains a cherished memory.

She was a loving sister to Steve (Anna) Gaunt, Laura Miller, and Anna (Todd) Cripe, who will remember her for her ceaseless support and the laughter they shared. Tari was predeceased by her parents Lewis Dale Gaunt and Jerra (Thomas) Zbasnik, whose values and love shaped the incredible woman she became.

Tari's interests were simple yet profound in their ability to bring joy to herself and others. An adept hand at crocheting, she crafted countless treasures that became keepsakes for those she loved. Her love for crossword puzzles was a reflection of her sharp intellect, and she could often be found solving them with a smile on her face. Tari found great pleasure in going for car rides, an activity that brought her closer to the landscapes she adored and allowed her to reflect on the beauty of the world around her.

Perhaps one of Tari's most cherished pastimes was spending time at the baseball fields, where she was a constant figure in the stands, cheering on her grandchildren with fervent pride. Her presence at these games was more than that of a spectator; she was a pillar of encouragement and a source of endless love for the young athletes.

Tari's legacy is one of unwavering kindness, a sharp mind that never missed a detail, and a generous heart that knew no bounds. Her ability to connect with others, offer wise counsel, and extend a helping hand made her a beloved figure in her community and an irreplaceable presence in the lives of her family and friends.

As we bid farewell to Tari Jo Belt, we are reminded of the light she brought into this world. Her memory will continue to inspire those who knew her to live with the same compassion, intelligence, and generosity that she embodied every day of her remarkable life. Tari will be dearly missed, but her spirit will live on in the countless lives she touched.

City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com