Vonda Rigel
Vonda Rigel, 92, of Kokomo, passed away at 4:12 a.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at her home. She was born in Arthur, Nebraska, on November 4, 1931, the daughter of the late Theodore and Enona (Johansen) Lightbody. On August 18, 1954, she married John William Rigel Sr., and he preceded her in death on October 15, 2023.
Vonda was a 1949 graduate of Montpelier Ohio High School. She attended Taylor University and achieved Bachelor’s degree and earned her Master and post-doctoral from Indiana University. Vonda retired from teaching in 1992 from Northwestern Schools. She previously taught at Port Lyautey and Galveston. Vonda enjoyed playing dominos, reading, and volunteering. She was involved with Clown Ministry, Miles of Smiles, and numerous women Bible studies. Vonda volunteered with the American Baptist mission in Alaska, England, and Kansas City. She was a member of Galveston First Baptist Church.
Vonda is survived by her children, John (Anita) William Rigel Jr., Jana (Robert) Lynn Peterson, JoDee Rigel; grandchildren, Michelle McCune, Amy Rodas, Jennifer De La Cruz, Matthew Noonan, Brad Rigel; great-grandchildren, Tinsley McCune, Mikaylyn McCune, Eliana Rodas, Adelina Rodas, Micah Rodas, Eden Rodas, Trey Rigel, Trent Rigel, Greyson De La Cruz, Easton De La Cruz, Ella Noonan, Brady Noonan; sister-in-law, Phyllis McClain; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers, Lynn Lightbody, Lyle Lightbody, Theodore Max Lightbody.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd., Kokomo, IN 46902. Memorial service will begin at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, at the funeral home with Pastors Sean Cooper and Luann Young Edwards officiating. Burial will take place in North Union Cemetery at a later date. Contributions may be made in Vonda’s memory to Galveston First Baptist Church. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Denver Lee Summers, Sr.
Denver Lee Summers, Sr., 88, of Kokomo, passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at Five Star Residence - Kokomo. He was born on August 19, 1935, in Elk Valley, Tennessee, the son of Doyle Summers and Essie (Cecil) Lay. On September 11, 1958, he married Daisy “Bonnie” Yvonne (Moore) Summers, and she preceded him in death on December 31, 2011.
Denver worked at Englin’s and Williams Shoes, and after 43 years of selling shoes, he retired. He never met a stranger and loved his family very dearly. He was a member of Bethel Tabernacle.
Denver is survived by his children, Rhonda Summers, Denver Summers Jr., Kevin (Tammy) Summers, Eric (Renee) Summers, and Corey Summers; grandchildren, Allison (Jacob) Gibson, Noah Burket, Brittany (Chris) Beatty, Johnnie White, Keith Krebs, Nathan Winbun, Colton (Kali) Summers, Gayvn Padfield-Summers, Brayden Summers, Raylee Summers, Kynlee Summers, and Hudson Summers; several great grandchildren; siblings, Jesse E. (Mary Beth) Lay, and Thelma (Emmitt) Corbit.
Along with his wife, Bonnie Summers, Denver was preceded in death by his parents, Doyle Summers and Essie Lay; daughter-in-law, Billie Summers; grandsons, Clifton Winburn and Kyle Summers; sister, Margie Summers; and in-laws, Olive & Glenn Moore.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 15, 2024, at Bethel Tabernacle, 661 400 S., Kokomo, with Pastor Steve Branstutter officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, 2024, at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate a pair of new shoes in Denver’s memory to be given to someone in need in our community. Shoe donations will be accepted at the visitation and funeral at the church or may be dropped off at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Norma Louise (Golliher) Blount
Norma Louise (Golliher) Blount, 88 years old, of Kokomo, passed away 11:07 p.m. Tuesday July 9, 2024, at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo. She was born in Losantville, IN, on November 26, 1935, the daughter of the late Russell and Ruth (Dennis) Golliher. On June 26, 1954, she married Merl Blount, and he survives.
Norma was a 1953 graduate of Union High School. She began working at City Tool and Die in Muncie, then a machine shop in Muncie, IN. She retired from Howard Community Hospital in Kokomo after 38 plus years of service.
In addition to her husband of 70 years, she is survived by her children, Jeff Blount, Lisa (Tony) Doukas, Brad (Shonda) Blount; grandchildren, Ryan Blount, Stephanie (Sean) Greer, Makayla (Noah) Dane, Kaden Blount; great-granddaughter, Remington Greer; sister-in-law, Wanneta (Cloy) Cheesman.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Janice Blount; daughter-in-law, Diana Blount; and brothers-in-law, Cody Blount, Lester Blount, Roy Blount.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. to noon Monday, July 15, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home – Lincoln Road Chapel, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd., Kokomo, IN 46902. Funeral service will begin at noon on Monday at the funeral home with Pastor Tim Gates and Pastor Gary Cable. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Garden.
Ralph Coulter
Ralph Coulter, 73, Kokomo, passed away at 10:37 a.m. on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at his home. He was born in Blount County, TN, on August 30, 1950, to the late Raymond and Irene (Rogers) Coulter. He married Rose Henson, and she preceded him in death on October 28, 2020. On April 21, 2021, in Kokomo, he married Molly (May) Sullivan, and she survives.
Ralph received his GED and graduated from Ivy Tech College. He enlisted with the United States Marine Corps from 1969-1971. He worked for Miller Steel and retired from General Motors. Ralph had multiple jobs within the veteran organizations; he was the minister, played Santa at the Old Soldiers Home, and he attended the VA reunion every year. He took the children in the Shriners van to the hospital in Chicago. He enjoyed traveling to Tennessee to visit family and staying in a cabin, and picnics and cookouts with his family. Ralph loved making stained glass.
Along with his wife, Molly, Ralph is survived by his stepdaughter, Athena (Kurtis) Shank; step granddaughter, Shylah Turner; aunt, Lily; cousins, Wade, and Sami; his beloved yorkie, Rocky; and lots of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Irene; half-sister, Reba Word; half-brother, Calvin Word; and best friend, Steven Sullivan.
A graveside service will take place at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 15, 2024, at Marion National Cemetery, 1700 E 38th St., Marion, with Pastor Dennis Chapman officiating. Military honors provided by the United States Marine Corps and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Memorial contributions may be made to Jackson Commons. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Jerry D. Miller
Jerry D. Miller, age 86, of Tipton passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, following an extended illness. He was born on February 21, 1938, to his parents, Perry Miller and Sarah (Dickey) Miller. Jerry married the love of his life, Patricia Louise (Curry) Miller on May 29, 1956, and she preceded him in death in 2015.
Jerry graduated from Tipton High School in the class of 1956. He dedicated 45 years of faithful employment to Chrysler Corporation in Kokomo, where he worked in skilled trades. In Jerry’s free time he enjoyed traveling and gambling. He loved having get-togethers and playing cards. Jerry was incredibly social, outgoing, and was often considered the life of the party.
Jerry was a fun person to spend time with. He was always in a lighthearted, playful mood, and could make anyone laugh. He was an amazing husband, father and grandfather. Jerry was very devoted and protective of his family. He will be so greatly missed and never forgotten for his caring, helpful and generous heart!
Those left to carry on Jerry’s legacy of love are his children, Andrew Miller (Tammie), Anthony Miller (Marilyn), Amy Cain (Corey); grandchildren, Sara Smith (Ian), Danny Matteucci (Jennifer), Adessa Matteucci (Brandon Miller), Nicco Matteucci, Brian Miller (Annie), Tori Salters (Zach), Rylan Cain, Carson Cain, Wesley Miller; great grandchildren, Alice & Oscar Smith, Samuel Miller, MJ Miller, Anna, Todd & Leo Salters, Nova & Skylynn Thomas; caregiver & friend, Melissa Huffer; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Miller; parents, Perry & Sarah Miller; and brother, Donald Miller.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Tipton’s Fairview Cemetery with Pastor Joe Brock officiating.
Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Miller family in their time of need.