Sharon Romain Davis, Stephen “Steve” Robert Gifford, Christopher Aaron Vest, Bobbi Lucille Johnson, Penny Darlene Yocom
Sharon Romain Davis
Sharon Romain Davis, 78, of Kokomo, passed away on March 12, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born October 30, 1946, in Howard County, IN, the daughter of Robert Dickison and Dessie (Ellison) Dickison.
Sharon was a 1964 graduate of Western High School. She started work at Delco Electronics shortly after graduating high school and after 30 years. She retired in 1994. Sharon enjoyed flower gardening, cooking, baking, puzzles, old movies and musicals, genealogy, and her love for Elvis Presley and Andrea Bocelli.
Sharon was the matriarch of her beloved blended family. She is survived by the love of her life and partner of 52 years Joseph Young of Kokomo, four daughters Leanna (Michael) Harris and Judy Tetrault of Kokomo, Cheryl (Jerimia) Lucas of Greentown, and Becky (Dan) Wolf of Bunker Hill, two sons David Young of Kokomo and Patrick (Pearl) Young of Russiaville, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Vonda (Doug) Ryman of Claypool, IN, and Wanda (Don) Funk of Grovetown, GA, sister-in-law Lois Dickison, and several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Dessie Dickison, her brother William Dickison, son James Young, and grandson Alex Shipp.
The family would especially like to thank Chrissy Brandenburg from Paradigm Health, Dr. Annette Moore, and Jeff Freeman.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, Indiana. A graveside service will follow at Albright Cemetery at 2:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wounded Warriors in Sharon’s memory. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Stephen “Steve” Robert Gifford
Stephen “Steve” Robert Gifford, 75, of Kokomo, passed away on March 9, 2025, at Northwoods Village – Kokomo. He was born on January 25, 1950, in Kokomo, the son of William Gifford Sr. and Barbara L. (Bailey) Gifford.
Steve graduated from Western High School in 1968. He went to Ft. Myers Technical Institute and received a master’s in electrical construction. Steve retired after 35 years after working in electrical construction for Gifford Electrical Designs. He enjoyed boating, fishing, and get-togethers with the family. Steve loved his family very much and loved spending time and taking care of his mother in her last days.
Steve is survived by his brother Ben Gifford and numerous nieces and nephews.
Along with his parents William & Barbara Gifford, Steve was preceded in death by his brother Ricky (Loren) Lee Gifford.
A funeral service celebrating Steve’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m., on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd. Kokomo. Burial will follow in Kokomo Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Steve’s name. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Christopher Aaron Vest
Christopher Aaron Vest, known affectionately by friends and family as Chris, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2025, at the age of 50 in Kokomo, IN. Born on May 28, 1974, in Marion, IN, to the late Kenneth Vest and Rebecca Sue Long, Chris was a beloved father, stepbrother, uncle, and cherished friend whose warmth and humor touched all who knew him.
Chris was a proud alumnus of Eastern High School's class of 1992, where he formed many lifelong friendships and laid the foundation for his future. His work ethic and skill as a laborer and general contractor were well-known in the community, and he was respected for his dedication and craftsmanship in every project he undertook.
A man of many talents and interests, Chris was an avid dart and pool player. His competitive spirit and love for the games led him to participate in numerous tournaments, where he not only showcased his abilities but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among fellow enthusiasts. Those who knew Chris will fondly remember his natural flair for drawing and coloring, creating vibrant pictures that became treasured gifts for his friends to enjoy. His artistic legacy will live on in the countless pieces that grace the homes of those he cared about.
Chris's sense of humor was unparalleled, and he had a knack for bringing laughter and joy into the lives of others. He was the embodiment of handiness and creativity, always ready to lend a helping hand or conjure up a solution to any problem. His funny anecdotes and playful jokes were the highlights of many gatherings, leaving an indelible mark of mirth in his wake.
He is survived by his daughter Erica Rhoades, who was the light of his life and his greatest pride. Chris will also be deeply missed by his stepbrother BJ Long, his uncle Ronald Coppock, and his special friends Stephanie Snow, Jennifer Groleau, Debbie Marshall, and Carla McCombs, all of whom played significant roles in his journey through life.
Chris's passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him, but his spirit will continue to inspire laughter, creativity, and warmth. As we bid farewell to Christopher Aaron Vest, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of passion and genuine connection. Though he may be gone from our sight, his legacy of love and laughter will remain forever in our memories.
Bobbi Lucille Johnson
Bobbi Lucille Johnson, 88, formerly of Kempton, passed away at 7:28 p.m. on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo. She was born June 11, 1936, in Cynthiana, KY, the daughter of the late Frank Cheek and Dora Serber. On December 26, 1952, she married Ralph Johnson in Kempton, IN, who preceded her in death on December 21, 2012.
Bobbie worked many years at Clinton Central School Corporation in the office until she opened Bobbi’s Classic Lady in Tipton in 1975. In 1987, she began working at Indiana University Kokomo until she retired after 25 years of service. Most of that time was as an Administrative Assistant in the Department of Education. She also completed her Associate’s degree at IUK by taking evening classes while she worked there. One of her many talents was making things special, especially holidays and family gatherings. She was an extraordinary cook, and she always cooked plenty so everyone could take leftovers home. She loved children, and her grandchildren knew how deeply she loved them. She was an avid I.U. basketball and football fan. Bobbi loved watching her Hallmark and Western movies.
Bobbi is survived by her children Keith (Lynn) Johnson, David Johnson, and Kelly (R.D.) Newell, five grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, siblings Margie Francis, Linda Cheek, Lois Hamilton, Kathleen (Steve) Fearnow, and Roy (Trudy) Cheek, along with many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband Ralph, Bobbi was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings Ruth, Velma, Betty, Dale, Jimmy, Genita, and Frankie.
In keeping with Bobbi’s wishes, private services will take place. Burial will take place in Kempton Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation, https://www.helpfightra.org/donations/, in Bobbi’s memory. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Penny Darlene Yocom
Penny Darlene Yocom, age 65, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025.