Ryland Christopher Mercer
Ryland Christopher Mercer, age 19, of Sharpsville, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025. Ryland was born on December 20, 2005, in Kokomo, Indiana, to his parents, Chelsie (Reynolds) Pfeiffer and Andrew Mercer.
Ryland was happiest when he was getting his hands dirty working on cars and trucks. He was naturally mechanically inclined, and he used his talents well. He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone that needed it. A great example of this was a recent trip to Florida that was supposed to be a vacation for him was spent putting an engine in a truck for a friend. Ryland was more than happy to do it and never thought twice about it.
Ryland was a true outdoorsman. Any activity that took him outside and kept him on the go was what he enjoyed the most. He loved to play football and baseball, fishing, going camping, riding four wheelers and dirt bikes, or just hanging out with his buddies. Music was a big part of his life. Ryland not only liked listening to music, he also liked to play the drums and guitar.
Ryland was a kind and giving soul. Those who knew him, even for a short time, would comment on what a respectful young man he was. He will be greatly missed by so many.
Those left to carry on Ryland’s legacy of love are: his parents Chelsie Pfeiffer and Andrew (Moriah) Mercer; great grandparents Moreen & John Reynolds; siblings Ayden Pfeiffer, Coven Pfeiffer, Brantley Clark, and Jayden Mercer; grandparents Rene Gregory, Mike Hash, and James Mercer; aunts and uncle Ashley Gregory, Samantha Hash, and Adam Mercer; great aunt and uncle Janice & Jason Dyer; cousins Myles McKee, Jonathan Dyer, and Justin Dyer.
Ryland was welcomed into Heaven by his grandmother Lora Mercer and his beloved dog Zoomer.
A funeral service celebrating Ryland’s life will be held on Friday, January 31, at noon at Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home, located at 314 N. Main Street in Tipton, with Pastor Mike Horner officiating. Visitation for family and friends will take place on Thursday, January 30, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and Friday prior to the service from 11:00 -12:00 PM. Burial will be held at Sharpsville Cemetery immediately following the service.
Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve Ryland’s family in their time of need.
Richard H. Allen
Richard H. Allen, 96, Kokomo, passed away at 7:13 a.m. Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Wellbrooke of Kokomo. He was born January 14, 1929, in Mishawaka, IN, to Roy and Esther (Griffith) Allen. On November 14, 1953, he married Marcelline Robertson, and she survives.
A 1946 Griffith High School graduate, Richard went on to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Indiana University. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War and received the Korean Service Medal with three bronze service stars and the United Nations Service Medal. His excellent memory and organizational skills served him well as an educator, teaching in several schools and serving as a librarian.
In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, sports, and traveling with his family.
He is survived by: his wife Marcelline Allen; children Roger Allen, John (April) Allen, and Amy Allen; granddaughter Emily Allen; and sisters-in-law Carrie Ellen Bailey and Blanche Shaffer.
He was preceded in death by his parents and son Roy David Allen.
Funeral services celebrating Richard’s life will began with military honors at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2025, at First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 2000 West Jefferson St., Kokomo, with Pastor Joyce Harris officiating. Burial will follow in Little Deer Creek Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from noon until service time Friday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made in Richard’s name to First EPC. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Steven G. Cox
Steven G. Cox was called into his heavenly home by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, January 27, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born February 20, 1969, to the late Jack and Emma Sue Cox in Kokomo, Indiana. He married Christina White on March 26, 2016, and she survives.
Steven is a 1987 graduate from Lewis Cass High School. After high school, Steven immediately joined the United States Navy and followed in his father’s footsteps, who served in the West Pac (Concord, California). Following the service to our nation, Steven continued in the family business of excavation and was later employed for JB Hunt.
Steven was a former Sunday school teacher and musician in the church. Steven especially loved the Lord and served as a witness by speaking to all those in his life about what God has done for him. Steven was an inspiration to everyone around him.
Surviving are: his wife Christina; son Daniel, Galveston; sons JP (Ivy) and Michael (Susie) Horne, Kokomo; brother Robert (Mary Ann) Cox, Galveston; sisters Carolyn (David) Long, Kokomo, and Sonya (David) Austin, Logansport; brothers in law John and James Horne, Kokomo, and Robert (Margerite) Horne, Yelm, WA; three grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister-in-law, and a nephew.
A celebration of Steven’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 3, 2025, at Galveston First Baptist Church, 207 S. Sycamore Street, Galveston, Indiana, with Pastor Sean Cooper officiating. Friends and family may visit from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services at the Church on Monday. Murray Weaver Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com
Sue Ann Smith
Sue Ann Smith, 91, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on January 25, 2025. She was born on March 2, 1933, in Kokomo, Indiana, the daughter of Zach and Evelyn (Donnell) Roberts. In 1951, as a new mother, Sue survived her courageous battle with Polio. She married the late James Smith on December 23, 1950. After graduating high school, Sue worked a various factories and department stores. She loved sewing and cooking. She also loved spending time with her grandkids.
Time of Graveside Service will take place at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery on February 3, 2025, at 2:00 PM. A celebration of life will be held on March 2 at 1:00 PM at the Bon-Air Shelter in Kokomo, IN.
Left to cherish her memory are: her children James Harvey Smith Jr., Debra Kay Black, and Jeffery Allen Smith; seven grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, loving husband James, two brothers, and a grandson.
Share a memory with the family at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com.
Janice “Jan” Louise (Hillis) Riebe
Janice “Jan” Louise (Hillis) Riebe, 77, of Kokomo, went to be with her Lord and Savior Saturday, January 25, 2025. She was born in Logansport, IN, on April 16, 1947, the daughter of the late Chalmer and Frances (Merrell) Hillis. On June 6, 1970, she married Donald Riebe at the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Kokomo, and he survives.
Jan was a 1965 graduate of Kokomo High School. She served for 31.5 years at Delco Electronics as a custodian until her retirement on September 1, 1996. Jan was the most caring, kind, and sweet lady. She always showed the utmost compassion and was very dependable. She was a faithful member of First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, where she once served as a Deacon. She volunteered for the Daughters of the American Revolution and for the Red Cross through Howard Regional Health Services. Jan adored her grandchildren and her pet cat Tobi. She enjoyed cross-stitching, crafting, cooking, and baking.
In addition to her husband Don, Jan is survived by: her children Ronald (Heather) Riebe and Janelle Riebe; brother Harry Hillis; grandchildren Brylee Jo Riebe, Brittani Rae (Ryan) Horner, Brooke LeaAnn (Paul) Beverly, Trevor Kessler, and Nolan Kessler; sister-in-law Sharon Moore; great-grandchildren, three nieces, and four nephews.
She was preceded in death by: her parents Chalmer and Frances Hillis; sister Judith (Ira) Shotwell; sister-in-law Carlie Hillis; and niece Nancy Weiss.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel, 200 E. Main St., Russiaville, IN 46979. A funeral service celebrating Jan’s life will begin 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 2000 W. Jefferson St., Kokomo, IN 46901, with Pastor Joyce Harris officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Jan’s memory to the Deacon’s Fund at First Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
James W. Miller
James W. Miller, 85, of Kokomo, passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at Community Howard Regional Health- Kokomo. He was born on February 21, 1939, in Kokomo, the son of E. Summer and Frances E. (Ward) Miller. On June 4, 1961, at Main St. Christian Church in Kokomo, he married Jennie Lee Myers, and she survives.
James graduated from Northwestern High School in 1957. He received a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in 1963 in General Agriculture. James operated the family farm for many years with his youngest brother Dick Miller. He enjoyed woodworking and was an avid Purdue basketball fan. He and his wife were involved in a euchre club since 1965. James was a member of the Northwestern Lions Club, the Elks Lodge, Galveston Masonic Lodge, the Scottish Rite, Howard County Planning Commission, and was Chairman of Elders at First Christian Church where he was a member for 75 years.
Along with his wife of 63 years Jennie Miller, James is survived by: his children Tim (Debbie) Miller and Todd (Pam) Miller; daughter-in-law Liz Miller; grandchildren Kyle (fiancée Brittany Morris) Miller, Kadi (Jon) Moore, Jenna Miller, Lauren (Jacob) Haberstroh, Bailey Miller, and Allison Miller; great-grandchild Avila Haberstroh; sisters-in-law Marian Miller and Marsha Miller; brother-in-law George (Sherry) Myers; special friends Dick Smith, Dick and Joyce Byrum, and Tressa Capper; and many nieces and nephews.
James is preceded in death by: his parents E. Summer & Frances Miller; son Terry Miller; and brothers Dr. William J. Miller, Richard “Dick” Miller, and special friend Tom Capper.
A private memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in James’ name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Riley Children’s Hospital. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with arrangement. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com
Ruby Lucille Pelfree
Ruby Lucille Pelfree, 88, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away in her home on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. She was born November 14, 1936, in Tiffin, Ohio, to the late Simion and Sarah Smith.
Ruby was the matriarch of her family and anyone who she welcomed into her home. She had the toughest job of all that she never retired from, raising 11 children. She spent her days crocheting and watching her favorite soap opera, The Young and the Restless. She also enjoyed playing games on her tablet and finishing puzzles. When she did travel, she would typically go to Ohio to visit her family.
She is survived by: her children Robert Pelfree (Wanda) of Willard, OH, Brenda Marcum (Larry) of Jasper, IN, Becky Pelfree of Glasgow, KY, William "Scratch" Pelfree (Stacey) of Kokomo, IN, Dennis Pelfree of Kokomo, IN, Patricia Pelfree of Kokomo, IN, Merle Pelfree of Kokomo, IN, and Daniel Pelfree (Amanda) of Rochester, IN; 28 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, and 11 great-great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Ruby is preceded in death by: her husband in 2001, Merle Eugene Pelfree; daughters Shirley Ann Pelfree, Mary Alice Pelfree, and Esther Westenbarger; grandson Dusty E Westenbarger; as well as all of her siblings.
A celebration of life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ruby's name can be made to two foundations very dear to her: We Care and the Special Olympics.
Jean Winger Wiley
Jean Winger Wiley, 91, a longtime resident of Marion, passed away January 19, 2025, at Wellbrooke of Kokomo. Jean had resided at Five Star Residences of Northwoods Kokomo since 2018.
Born in Kewanna, IN, to Ralph and Iola Winger, Jean and her parents lived in Chili during her early years. When Jean’s father accepted a teaching position in Converse, the family moved to Marion, where Jean started sixth grade.
Jean graduated from Marion High School in 1951, Marion College in 1955, and earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Ball State University. She was an elementary teacher for 32 years before retiring from Oak Hill United School Corporation.
Jean delighted in playing the piano, gardening, researching family genealogy, and spending time with family. While residing in Marion, Jean was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, The Hostess House, Department Club, and Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority. She also enjoyed attending Marion Civic Theatre, Marion Philharmonic, and Marion Easter Pageant performances.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, brother Joe Winger, and niece Megan Winger McConnell.
She is survived by her daughter Kathy Wiley Powell, sister-in-law Ann Winger, niece Whitney Winger Kirsch (Doug), and five great-nephews.
A celebration of Jean’s life will be planned at a later date. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.ellersmortuary.com