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Cynthia Lynn DeVaney
Cynthia Lynn DeVaney, 74, Kokomo, passed away at 10:25 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at St. Vincent Hospital-86th Street, Indianapolis. She was born in Elwood, IN, on June 5, 1950, to the late William “Bill” and Vivian (McQueen) DeVaney.
Cynthia worked for Bona Vista as a Case Worker for 18 years. She loved spending time with her family and often cooked big meals when they all got together. Cynthia also enjoyed doing crafts.
Cynthia is survived by her daughter Melissa Madden, grandchildren Bradley Madden, and Brittany Madden (Tyler Marsh), great-grandchildren J.B. Madden, Haven Madden, and Addie Marsh, sister Martina Scapin, and brother Jerry (Mindy) DeVaney, along with several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death her parents, son Bruce Germany, and daughter Mischel Germany.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home – Jefferson Street Chapel, 414 W. Jefferson Street, Kokomo. Memorial contributions may be made in Cynthia’s name to the American Lung Association, www.lung.org. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Phillip “Phil” Lee Martin
Phillip “Phil” Lee Martin, 63, Frankfort, passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at his home. He was born on October 12, 1961, to the late Daniel Lee and Luella (Graves) martin. In 1981, he married Carol Cutler, and she survives.
Phil graduated from God’s Bible School in Cincinnati, OH in 1980. He served his country in the United States Army. He worked for Wabash National and several other local factories. He enjoyed scuba diving, going to yard sales, and collecting miscellaneous junk. Phil attended Pilgrim Holiness Church.
Along with his wife Carol, Phil is survived by his children Daniel P. (Mikaela) Martin, Ruth A. (Jon) Crispen, Rosie (Phil) Dennis, and Jason N. Martin, grandchildren Jonathan Crispen, David Crispen, Sammy Crispen, Rosey Lou Crispen, Sophia Martin, and Henry Martin, siblings Marveda (Brian) Raper, Donald (Lori) Rutherford, and Jerry (Shelly) Martin, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew Jerry Martin.
A funeral service celebrating Phil’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Stout & Son Funeral Home, Russiaville, with Pastor Bill Stucker officiating and Military honors provided by the United States Army and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Burial will follow in Bunnell Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Frankfort Pilgrim Holiness Church, Bus Ministry. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Rita Maria Young
Rita Maria Young, 74, Bringhurst, passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. She was born in Bloomington on January 1, 1951, to the late William “Bill” Buhr and Wilma J. (Hawkins) Dayhuff. She married Willie Dyer in 1969, and he preceded her in death in 1978. On January 1, 2000, she married George L. Young Jr. in Elko, NV, and he survives.
Rita graduated from Benton Central High School in 1969 and Ivy Tech Community College in 1993. She worked for General Motors as a carpenter for 33 years and retired in 2006. She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. Rita enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and her puppy Brandy. She loved to fish in the lake and travel.
Along with her husband George, Rita is survived by her children Kristina Dyer McCoy, Debbie (Scott) Dyer Robbins, and George Lee Young III; grandchildren Branden (Kathryn) McCoy, Morgan McCoy, Jarrod Robbins, Alexandria Robbins, and Harlie Robbins, siblings Malissa Mitchell, J.B. (Teresa) Dayhuff, A.J. (Brenda) Dayhuff, Mary Ann Burton, and Dianne (Tim) Bailey, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents Wilma June (Hubert) Dayhuff and William “Bill” (Catherine) Buhr, husband Willie, stepdaughter Jenny Miranda, sisters Suzan Dayhuff and Rebecca Woerner, brother-in-law Don Woerner, and niece Lindsay Dayhuff.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1229 N. Washington St., with Rev. Fr. Peter Vanderkolk, celebrant. Friends may visit the family from 11 a.m. until the start of the mass on Saturday at the church. Stout & Son Funeral Homes has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Dustin Lee Pyke
Dustin Lee Pyke, 39, of Kokomo, IN, passed away February 17, 2025. He was born on May 3, 1985, in Kokomo, Indiana, the son of George Lee and Michelle Diane (Smith) Pyke. He was employed at Chrysler for 13 years. Dustin enjoyed hanging out with friends and walking his dog Stella. He always looked forward to going to the "River in Monticello" every year with his family to enjoy the race day party.
Dustin is survived by his friends Josh Spencer, Josh Ray, Nate Gibson, Adam Gibson, Jacob Gibson, and Jordan Thurston, nephew LeLand Spencer, and girlfriend Jenny Barnett.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and grandparents Paul and Vivian Smith.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dustin's name to the Kokomo Humane Society.
Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Ellers Mortuary. Funeral services will begin at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Ellers Mortuary, 725 S. Main Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46901. Burial will follow at Yeoman Cemetery, Monticello, Indiana. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.
Elizabeth Velma (Green) Allen
Elizabeth Velma (Green) Allen, 59 years of age, of Russiaville, Indiana, passed from this life to heaven, on February 17, 2025, in her home, surrounded by loving family.
Born Elizabeth Green, November 18, 1965, in McAlester, Oklahoma. The youngest daughter of Kenneth Green and Emily Cook, she grew up loving animals and the outdoors.
Liz graduated from Panola High School in 1983, where she played basketball and softball, and was homecoming queen. She then went on to Eastern Oklahoma State College, earning an Associate’s Nursing Degree and then a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing at Oklahoma Wesleyan University.
She worked as an RN at multiple locations, but served many years at Choctaw Nation Hospital in Talihina, Oklahoma, covering many positions, but spending most of her time in Labor and Delivery. She ended her career at Dukes Memorial Hospital in Peru, Indiana. Liz brought care and laughter to her co-workers and patients everywhere she went. Her biggest struggle in the nursing field was feeling that she never had enough time with each patient to fulfill their medical and emotional needs.
Liz married Rick Allen, March 29, 2011, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. They enjoyed traveling, fishing, and spending time on the lake or at the ocean together.
Being a child at heart, she often forgot to act her age. She loved to play a good prank on a co-worker or friend. You had to stay on your toes because you never knew what might happen on a night shift with Liz. She was also fiercely competitive and would play any board or card game until late in the night! Always the loudest winner or loser, often reminding you of her victories for years to come, she was the most dishonest of scorekeepers who would always add points to her favor. She had the ability to change the mood of a room simply by walking into it. She noticed the small details of life and could often be found snapping a picture of a butterfly or dragonfly on her adventures. Liz (Nana) also cherished spending time with her kids and grandkids, often in the kitchen cooking a holiday meal large enough to feed an army. Her energy and laughter will be missed by all those who knew her.
Remaining to cherish Liz’s memory are husband Rick Allen, children Emily Hammons, Adam & Erica Hammons, and Nick & Brooke Hammons, grandchildren Taeganh & Lariat Hammons, Duke & LaRuth Hammons, and Quinn & Josey Hammons, sisters Pam Sprouse, Kim Stanford, and Becky Davis, and too many nieces, nephews, and cousins to mention.
In keeping with Elizabeth’s wishes, there will be no services held in Indiana. A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Oklahoma, where flowers can be sent and memorial contributions can be made. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with cremation. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Barbara Ellen Miller
Barbara Ellen Miller, 83, of Kokomo, passed away at 6:47 p.m. on Friday, February 14, 2025, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo. She was born on January 4, 1942, in Howard County, Indiana, to the late John A. and Mildred Mae (Oden) Schultz.
Barbara graduated in 1960 from Northwestern High School and later worked as an optician's assistant for Jill's Optical in Florida. She was a loving and caring person who cherished her family. She had a passion for cooking and enjoyed trying out new recipes. In her younger years, Barbara loved to travel and explore new places. She was also known for her natural beauty and warm spirit.
Barbara is survived by her sons Doug Miller, Neal Miller, and Mark (Carissa) Miller, grandchildren Kelsey Miller and Jessie Miller, siblings David (Kathey) Schultz, Gary (Teri) Schultz, and Linda (John) Whikehart, nieces and nephews, Justin Schultz, Jeremy Schultz, Marissa Schultz, Austin Schultz, Ashley Schultz, Chris Hughes, Kim Hughes, Mike Wiese, and Sophie Whikehart, as well as her sister-in-law Babe Wiese.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Lois Hughes.
In keeping with Barbara’s wishes no services are planned at this time. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation.
Joseph Contrad Taboas Jr.
Joseph Contrad Taboas Jr., 65, Kokomo, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at his home. He was born on May 27, 1958, son of the late Joseph Taboas Sr. and Mary E. (DuChene) Taboas, and she survives.
Joseph attended Oakridge High School in Orlando, FL. He worked as a tattoo artist. He enjoyed muscle cars, motorcycles, listening to music albums, drawing, and watching NASCAR, especially Dale Earnhardt. Joseph favored most of all spoiling his granddaughters.
Along with his mother Mary, Joseph is survived by his daughters Misty White, April (Michael) Helms, and Jenni (Matt) Saunders; sons Roger (Samantha) Inlow and Michael (Ashley) Scircle, nieces Jessica (Josh) Sanders, Michelle (John) Mowery and Lindsey (Cory) Stafford, nephews Brandon (Katie) Sanders, Ryne (Katharine) Sanders, Deaven Taboas, and Christpher (Selena) Kirkendall, granddaughters Tori Saunders, Ashley (Brandon) Blackwell, and Danielle Helms, life partner Dawn Scircle, cousins Fortners, Shivers, and Taboas, and a great-grandson, a great-niece, and a great nephew.
He was preceded in death by his father Joseph Taboas Sr., brother Mike Taboas, sister Mary Taboas, grandparents Joe & Virginia Taboas and Jack & Hazel DuChene, and wife Anna (Bain) Taboas.
In keeping with Joseph’s wishes, no services are planned. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation. Messages of condolence can be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Barbara Jean Miller
Barbara Jean Miller, a fiercely independent woman and matriarch, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at home on February 9, 2025, in Kokomo, IN, at the age of 83. Barbara was born on March 26, 1941, in Chicago, IL, to the late William and Lillian Lawrence. Barbara's life was a testament to her intelligence, thoughtfulness, and kindness.
Barbara's journey in life was marked by her commitment to caring for others. After graduating from Hyde Park High School in 1958, she received a full scholarship to pursue her passion for nursing at South Chicago Community Hospital School of Nursing. She dedicated 50 years of her life to the nursing profession, where she served with unwavering dedication at Silver Cross Hospital and later with the Department of Corrections in Illinois, before concluding her career in home health care. Her professional legacy is characterized by the countless lives she touched with her expertise and compassionate care.
Family was the cornerstone of Barbara's world. She is survived by her four loving sons she had with the late Robert A. Townsend — Paul Townsend, Bobby Townsend, Matt Townsend, and Scott Townsend — and her sister Sue Gray. Barbara's joy was multiplied by her adoring grandchildren Jacob, Meghan, Lisa, Bradley (Shelby), Steven, and Hannah Townsend, as well as her cherished great-grandchildren Cameron, Beau, and Rowan Townsend. Each family member was a unique thread in the beautiful tapestry of her life, deeply influenced by her wisdom and love.
Barbara's home in Lockport, IL, was a haven of beauty, thanks to her green thumb and passion for gardening. Her backyard was an enchanting retreat, adorned with vibrant flower gardens and a tranquil koi pond, which brought her immense joy and serenity. Her love for nature was a gift she shared generously with all who visited her.
Among Barbara's many interests, her involvement with horses stood out. She shared this passion with her granddaughters Meghan and Lisa, supporting and guiding them through their journey with 4-H and horse shows throughout Illinois. Her encouragement and involvement were instrumental in their success and the development of their love for equine pursuits.
Barbara's life was also enriched by the companionship of her beloved fur baby Pickles, which provided her with unconditional love and comfort. She was also blessed with the support of special helpers Heather Erickson and Jess Washburn, who stood by her side, offering care and friendship throughout her last year of life.
The legacy Barbara leaves behind is one of love, service, and the strength that characterized her every action. Her presence will be profoundly missed, yet her spirit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known her.
As we bid farewell to Barbara Jean Miller, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a heart that generously loved. Her memory will forever bloom in the gardens she nurtured and in the hearts of those she cherished. May she rest in peace, knowing she has left the world a better place for her having been in it. A Celebration of life will be held in Lockport, Il at a later date with details to follow.