Judith “Judy” Greeson
Judith “Judy” Greeson, 83, of Kokomo, went home to be with the Lord at 12:35 p.m. Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the Legacy at Waterford Place in Kokomo, surrounded by family. She was born July 23, 1941, in Kokomo to Fred C. and Adeline N. (Werdun) Harrell. She married H. Dudley Greeson on October 28, 1961, in Kokomo. Dudley preceded her in death December 27, 2023.
Judy graduated from Indiana Business College in 1960. She worked in the Howard County prosecutor’s office until 1963 when she started her family. She was a school bus driver for Maconaquah School Corporation from 1972–2000. Judy was very involved with her church, Bennetts Switch United Methodist Church, now Bennetts Switch Community Church. She served as Treasurer, helped printing church bulletins, and assisted with funeral dinners among many other activities for many years at Bennetts Switch Church. She enjoyed knitting, quilting, ceramics, and many other crafts. She served as a 4H leader for the Deer Creek Do-Rights and food Superintendent at the Miami County Fair for several years. She also enjoyed Euchre Club and spending time with Dudley and friends traveling.
Surviving family include her daughters, Regina (Andrew) Jeffers of Ohio and Peggy (Aaron) Gross of Logansport. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Ryan) Darling, Kyle (Chaney) Jeffers, Jeremy Gross, Jessica (Drew) Engels, and Jenna Gross. Surviving great-grandchildren include Oliver and Adeline Darling, and Oakley and Ella Jeffers. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Dudley and brother, Robert Harrell.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Bennetts Switch Community Church, 2261 IN 18, Kokomo, IN. Funeral services will follow on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the church with Pastor Norm Snyder officiating. Judy will be laid to rest next to her husband Dudley in the Galveston Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Bennetts Switch Community Church or Alzheimer’s Research in Judy’s memory. Murray Weaver Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Margaret Louise Harding
Margaret Louise Harding, 74, Kokomo, passed away peacefully at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, November 2, 2024, with her family surrounding her at Aperion Care in Kokomo. She was born July 21, 1950, in Peru, IN, the daughter of the late Harold & Wilma (Hires) Hilgeman.
Margaret was a 1968 graduate of North Miami High School and had attended Ball State University. She was a cherished member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Peru, IN, where she actively participated in various community and church activities. Her love for crafting, sewing, cooking, playing the piano, playing cards, and painting brought joy not only to her but also to those around her. Margaret's life and legacy will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.
Margaret is survived by her children, William "Billy" (Kristie) Dougherty and Tammy (Darren) Loftis; grandchildren, Clayton (Brooklyn) Thomas, Gatlin (Kristen) Dougherty, McKayla (Adam) Ferrell, and McKenzie (Dillon) Henry; great-grandchildren, Charlotte Thomas, Sawyer Dougherty, Everleigh Henry, Waylon Ferrell, Weston Ferrell and one great-grandchild expected in June; nieces and nephews, Angie Abbott, Julie Shepherd, Erika Miles, Robert Anderson, Tim Abbott and Jim Abbott.
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents; and sisters, Ruthanne Abbott, Marceil Barragan, and Lynda Brower.
A funeral service will be held at Noon, Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Carolyn Loftis officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Margaret’s memory to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes.org.
John Richard Ballard
John Richard Ballard, age 70, of Tipton, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 3, 2024. He was born on November 21, 1953, to his parents, Jimmy Roscoe Ballard and Marilyn Joann (Cage) Ballard.
For nearly 30 years, John worked for Janis Developmental Center/Firestone. He took great pride in his work and enjoyed his everyday routine. In John’s younger years, he loved riding his bike (especially the 3-wheeler) and playing basketball. More recently, you would have found him with a word book, working puzzles, or playing bingo. John was a proud member of Trinity Wesleyan Church in Tipton, and his faith was very important to him.
From the start, John impacted his family for the better. As a child, he needed direction. His parents, siblings and extended family lovingly protected him and encouraged him to reach his full potential. The love they all received back from John was a beautiful gift from God. Childlike, his love was genuine and unaffected by our cruel world. If John was part of your life, you were blessed. His presence alone was very encouraging and uplifting. His love was counted on by many. It was a rare gift, completely authentic with no hidden agenda. He restored the hope of God’s unconditional love to everyone he crossed paths with. In simple terms, he was an angel and will be missed beyond measure!
Those left to carry on John’s legacy of love are his brother, Jay Ballard; sister-in-law, Marsha Ballard; brother-in-law, David Cornwell; nieces & nephews, Derek Cornwell (Tiffany), Alisha Armes (Jason), Krista Armes (Todd), Jason Ballard (Caylee); great nieces & nephews, Evangeline Cornwell, Paighton Armes, Eli Armes, Lainey Armes, Kellsee Armes, Gavin Armes, Liam Armes, Evan Armes, Katey Armes, Kelsey Armes, Abby Armes, Noah Ballard, Beckett Ballard and Crew Ballard.
John was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, Jimmy & Marilyn Ballard; sister, Virginia Cornwell; and great nephew, Brody Armes.
A funeral service celebrating John’s life will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home, located at 314 N. Main St. In Tipton with David Cornwell officiating. Visitation for family and friends will take place prior to the service from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be held immediately following the service in Tipton’s Fairview Cemetery.
Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Ballard family in their time of need. Please feel free to leave an online condolence.
Tillie (Miller) Graber
Tillie (Miller) Graber, 94, of Muncie, peacefully slipped into the arms of Jesus Saturday November 2, 2024. She was born at home in Kokomo, IN, on September 6, 1930, the daughter of the late Sam L. and Leah (Helmuth) Miller. On January 8, 1956, she married Jacob “Jake” Graber, and he preceded her in death on October 17, 2024.
Tillie attended Howard Township High School. She earned a Bachelor’s in Nursing from Indiana University Kokomo in 1982. She served as an aide, a Licensed Practical Nurse, and later retired from St. Joseph Hospital in Kokomo as a Registered Nurse after 35 years in total. She was a faithful member of Parkview Mennonite Church where she was involved in the Women’s Group. Her favorite hobbies were quilting, canning vegetables, and tending to her flower garden. Tillie will be remembered for being such a caring and giving person who did all she could to help others.
She is survived by her children, Patricia Joy Graber, Kenton Earl Graber, Linda Kay (John) Taylor; sister, Sarah Graber; sister-in-law, Nancy Wittmer; step-grandchildren, Christal Caldwell, Lisa (Brian) Chandler, Glenn Taylor, John Taylor, Melinda and Jeff Hurst; and countless nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, siblings, Mary (Tobias) Miller, Esther Miller, John Miller, Alvin (Viola) Miller; brother-in-law, Arthur Graber; and step-grandchild, Tonya Bell.
Tillie’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Heart to Heart Hospice for the excellent care that she received.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Parkview Mennonite Church, 1382 Co. Rd. E. 100 N., Kokomo, IN 46901. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 8, 2024, at the church with Pastor Frank Kandel officiating. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. with honors provided by The Nursing Honor Guard Serving North Central Indiana. Friends are invited to visit with the family an hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. Contributions may be made in Tillie’s memory to the Richard & Suzan Szep Nursing Scholarship Fund through Indiana University Kokomo. Hasler-Stout Funeral Home in Greentown has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.haslerstout.com.
Nancy Jean (McQuiston) Buckley
Nancy Jean (McQuiston) Buckley, 81, of Greentown, passed away 1:24 a.m. Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at her home. She was born in Howard County, IN, on December 8, 1942, the daughter of the late Raymond and Freida (Rosenheimer) McQuiston. On August 12, 1961, she married Joseph Buckley, and he preceded her in death on September 26, 2013.
Nancy was a 1961 graduate of Eastern High School. She retired from Delco Electronics in 2006 after more than 30 years working on the production line. Nancy was known for finding joy in the simple things in life. She enjoyed taking walks and reading books. Her favorite travel destination was Florida or anywhere she could find a beach to kick back. She adored her pet cats, Rosie and Eli. Nancy prioritized dinner date nights and breakfast at Frittata’s with her husband Joseph. She cherished the time she spent with her children and grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, Michelle (Robert) Stockton, Amber (Curtis) Perkins, Tara Mercer, Jordan (Layna) Buckley; sisters, Bonnie (Charles) Winger, Marlene (Jerry) Crousore; grandchildren, Kalie (Corey) Stinson, Kyra (Jordan Turk) Stockton, Erin (Danny) Murphy, Alex Buckley, Shelby Buckley, Hannah (Shawn) Foster, Hope (Johnathan) McQueen, Lauren Mercer, Ian Mercer, Mason Buckley, Makayla Buckley, Myles Buckley; and great-grandchildren, Elena Stinson, Cale Stinson, Phoebe Jean Turk, Owen Murphy, Amelia Murphy, George Murphy, Lily Foster, Skylar McQueen, Sawyer McQueen.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and son, Joseph Scott Buckley M.D.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Hasler-Stout Funeral Home, 112 E. Main St., Greentown, IN 46936. Funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the funeral home, with Pastor Paul Nicholson officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery in Greentown. Contributions may be made in Nancy’s memory to the Kokomo Humane Society.
Crystal "Chris" Denise Dyar
Crystal "Chris" Denise Dyar, age 62, from Kokomo passed away on October 24, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida. She was born on June 3, 1962, to Jimmie Wayne and Rebecca Kay Bitner.
She was the 11th woman hired on at the Chrysler Casting Plant in Kokomo, Indiana, and eventually retired at the age of 42. She was a very active, supportive, and proud member of the UAW.
She always enjoyed traveling to any place warm, and after retirement she got to enjoy that a lot more often when she wasn't spending time with her grandkids, family, and friends here in Kokomo. She mostly traveled to Arizona and Florida where she also had a lot of friends and family. She never met a stranger, and she was always there if you needed someone to talk to or a friend to be there for you in any way that she could. She was a straight shooter with a heart like no other. She was all about her family and friends; they meant the world to her. She especially loved her grandkids, Aaron "AJ" Cam'ron Smith, Aaron "Cam'Marie" Smith. Chris actually came up with her granddaughter's middle name, and that is something they hold very special.
She loved to laugh, make people laugh, and have a good time with good people. She had many hobbies and interests including but not limited to traveling and arts and crafts. The pool, beach, and ocean were her second language but usually her preferred one.
She is survived by her mother, Becky; daughter, Morgan Smith; grandchildren, Cam'Marie and AJ Smith; brother, Douglas Bitner; niece, Katie (Joe) Rafferty; great-nieces, Amelia and Paige Rafferty; aunts, Mona Harrison, Mary Reed; Joy Siegler; Marsha Grant; many several cousins, family and friends.
She has now joined her father, Jimmie Wayne Bitner, Aunt Janet Farmer, and one of her best friends Terry Rush; along with several other family members and friends.
The family invites you to join them in celebrating Crystal's life on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. at the Fraternal Order of Police 102 W Markland Ave, Kokomo, IN 46901. Memorial Contributions may be made to the care of the family.
Jack Allen Dunham
Jack Allen Dunham, age 76, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, November 3, 2024. He was born in Elwood, Indiana, to the late Glen and Vivian Dunham.
Jack served in the U.S. Army and fought in Vietnam from 1977 to 1986. He also worked at Chrysler in the ‘80s.
Jack is survived by his loving companion of 28 years Paisan Price; son Rob (Jean) Dunham, siblings; Ronald (Toni) Dunham, Glen Phillip (Nadine) Dunham, and Rufina Ulloa, 5 grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Jack is preceded in death by his brother Gary Dunham.
He will be laid to rest at Marion National Cemetery at a later date.
John William Conley III
John William Conley III, 81, Howe, IN, passed away at 12:05 a.m. Thursday, October 31, 2024, at his daughter’s home, surrounded by family. He was born September 19, 1943, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of the late John William II & Geraldine (DeWald) Conley. On August 29, 1964, he married Cheryl Ann Warner, who preceded him in death on December 29, 2023.
John graduated from Shortridge High School in Indianapolis, where he was an active member of the wrestling team. He furthered his education at Ball State University, where he not only earned a master’s degree in education but also played football. John dedicated his professional life to Northwestern High School, serving as a teacher, administrator, and wrestling coach, shaping the lives of countless students with his wisdom and guidance.
Outside of his professional endeavors, John was passionate about football, NASCAR, Indy Racing Cars, scuba diving and golf. He was an avid Notre Dame fan and a committed member of various organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, and the American Legion Post 215. John cherished his time at his lake cottage on North Twin Lake and enjoyed spending winters in Key Colony in Florida.
John is survived by his daughters, Lynn Ann (Douglas) Lacluyse of Kokomo and Beth Ellen Patch of Howe, IN; grandchildren, Christopher Jacob (Lauren) Dugdale, Kyle Andrew (Brooklyn) Dugdale, Rachel Lynn (Alex) Syverson, and Lauren Renee Patch; great-grandchildren, Koralyn Ann Dugdale, Kohen Andrew Dugdale, and Brogan Michael Dugdale, with a granddaughter on the way; sisters, Karen Conley, Jean (Conley) Byrne, and Mary Nell Conley; as well as sisters-in-law, Karen (Warner) Malerich and Cathy (Henninger) Conley.
John was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Cheryl Ann Conley; and his brother, Thomas Dewald Conley.
The family will host a celebration of life at a later date. Hasler & Stout Funeral Home in Greentown has been entrusted with cremation. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to the Howe Lions Club, PO Box 83, Howe, IN 46746, a cause close to his heart. John's legacy of dedication, passion, and community involvement will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout.com.
Rita M. Causey
Rita M. Causey, 59, Greentown, passed away on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at her home. She was born in Frankfort on July 30, 1965, to the late Burtis and Karen (Wyant) Long. On September 20, 1984, in Kokomo, she married Ivan H. Causey Jr., and he survives.
Rita worked for Meijer as a cashier for 23 years. She enjoyed playing BINGO, going to garage sales and auctions, and collecting elephants. Rita loved spending time with her family, taking care of her indoor plants, and spending time with her dog.
Along with her husband, Ivan, Rita is survived by her children, Tiffaney Causey and Ronald Ballard; sister, Mary Williams; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
In keeping with Rita’s wishes, there will be no service. Hasler-Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with cremation. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.