Margaret Suzanne (Spangler) Allen
Margaret Suzanne (Spangler) Allen, 79, of Kokomo, passed away 6:42 a.m. Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Northwoods Village in Kokomo. She was born in Indianapolis, IN, on October 7, 1945, the daughter of the late John and Margaret (Burger) Spangler. On April 12, 1964, she married John Allen at Main Street Christian Church in Russiaville, and he survives.
Suzanne was a 1963 graduate of Western High School where she was in the marching band and choir. She retired from Northwestern School Corp. after 29 years of service as a school bus driver. She was proud of the relationships that she built with the kids through the years who rode her bus. She was a faithful member of Main Street Christian Church in Russiaville where she led the children’s choir and youth group for years. Suzanne was a smart and organized woman who was an incredible planner. She traveled to all 50 states with her husband John and frequently planned the entire itinerary of the trip as a surprise to him. All of these trips were filled with adventures like hiking, a hot air balloon tour, riding mules to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and parasailing for their 50th wedding anniversary. One of their favorite places was The Bar-J in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
In addition to her husband John, Suzanne is survived by: her children Jonna Snow, Gary (Karrie) Allen, and Jaci Novak; sister Christine Young; grandchildren Keanna Snow, Jackson Allen, McKenna Allen, John Novak, Ian Novak, Katya Novak, Elena Novak, and Misha Novak; and three great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Caroline (Robert) Henry and Janice (Earl) McCoy, and brother-in-law Rick Young.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Main Street Christian Church, 220 W. Main St., Russiaville, IN 46979. A memorial service celebrating Suzanne’s life will begin at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday at the church, with Pastor David Woods officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Suzanne’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association. Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.
Joseph “Joe” Eugene Ford
Joseph “Joe” Eugene Ford, 16, of Russiaville, suddenly passed 10:42 a.m. Sunday, January 26, 2025. He was born in Kokomo, IN, on July 26, 2008, the son of Steve Ford and Kim (Keller) Ford.
Joe formerly attended Western School Corp. and was currently a sophomore at Kokomo High School. He was passionate about anything outdoors, but especially hunting, fishing, and golfing. Joe was an eight-year member of the Howard County 4H program, where he loved working with swine and on alfalfa projects, and being a 4H camp counselor. He treated his GMC truck as his baby and took great care of it. He loved music and dabbled in playing guitar. He had dreams of a career in guide services and was taking welding classes at the Kokomo Area Career Center. Joe loved being a brother to his siblings and will be remembered for being the most kind-hearted boy and having an infectious smile.
He is survived by: his dad Steve (Jessica) Ford; mom Kim Ford; siblings Karly Ford, Isaac Ford, Piper McWhirt, and Gibson Ford; grandparents Roger and Linda Ford, Denny and Jean Heaton, and Robert and Deb Keller; and a very large, extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, February 3, 2025, at Crossroads Community Church – South, 4254 S. 00 E. W., Kokomo, IN 46902. A funeral service celebrating Joe’s life will begin at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at the church, with Pastor Jim Stevenson officiating. Contributions may be made in Joe’s memory to the Howard County 4H Exhibit Association for the Swine Account. Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. The service will be livestreamed and available to watch on Joe’s obituary page. Messages of condolence may be made online at www.stoutandson.com.
Stephanie Ann Messer
Stephanie Ann Messer, 72, of Kokomo, passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at her home. She was born on September 8, 1952, in Trenton, Michigan, the daughter of John Stephen and Robbie Ann (Plemmons) Messer.
Stephanie graduated from River Rouge High School in 1970. She retired from General Motors after working 20 years in Human Resources. Stephanie moved to Kokomo in 2013 after retiring to be closer to family. She enjoyed spending time with her family and dogs, was an avid reader, and loved true crime shows. Stephanie attended Judson Road Christian Church for the past five years. She loved the Lord above all else and was faithful in praying for her loved ones and completing her devotions daily.
Stephanie is survived by her daughter Stacy (Charles) Rosales and grandchildren Alexandra Rosales and Charles Rosales Jr.
Stephanie was preceded in death by her parents John “Steve” & Robbie Messer.
In keeping with Stephanie’s wishes, no public services will be held. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. 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.