Obituaries, March 5, 2025

Written on 03/05/2025


Sara Jane (Turnbull) Skulicz, James "Jim" Earl Webster, Marcia Costello, Brenda Lou Lowery, Daniel “Danny” Allen Sturgeon, Ruben Guerrero Jr., Theresa Ann Welland-Bristol, Mary Ann (McKinney) Wisehart

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Sara Jane (Turnbull) Skulicz

Sara Jane (Turnbull) Skulicz, 81, of Kokomo, passed away 5:50 a.m. Friday, February 28, 2025, at Ascension St. Vincent in Kokomo. She was born on February 25, 1944, in Kokomo, IN, the daughter of the late John T. and Martha (Mills) Turnbull. On September 2, 1967, she married Gregg Skulicz, and he preceded her in death on November 20, 2015.

Sara was a 1962 graduate of Kokomo High School. She was employed by National Grocery store as a meat cutter and later worked at Delco Electronics on the production line. Sara was one of the most observant and caring people you ever met. She was always aware of those around her and genuinely cared how each of them was feeling. She loved people and she loved life. No matter how she felt, she always had a glimmer in her eye, whether it was thinking of something onery or just enjoying a story being told to her, it was difficult to tell. She never interrupted, and she listened to each word of everything you were telling her. Sara was very unselfish, funny, kind, intelligent, witty, and loving. She will never be forgotten and will always be the mayor of therapy. She was an avid Notre Dame, IU, and Indianapolis Colts fan. Sara was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kokomo.

She is survived by her sons Tony Skulicz and Matt (Amanda) Skulicz, sister Nancy Turnbull, and cousin Darce Zack.

She was preceded in death by her parents John and Martha Turnbull and husband Gregg Skulicz.

Sara’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Eric Tuchscherer, Dr. Ryan Tauring, Dr. Nancy Frappier, Dr. Ashley Funk, Nick Rush, and the entire staff at Team Rehab for their excellent care they provided to her.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, March 7, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd., Kokomo, IN 46902. A funeral service celebrating Sara’s life will begin noon on Friday at the funeral home with Deacon Chuck Springer officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memory Garden. Contributions may be made in Sara’s memory to the American Heart Association. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

James "Jim" Earl Webster

James "Jim" Earl Webster, age 83, of Russiaville, Indiana, passed away in his home on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Jim was born September 7, 1941, in Carbon Hill, Alabama, to Belton and Willodean Webster.

He married Wanda Abbott April 7, 1977, and together they lived a simple, but beautiful life. Jim was a dedicated worker at Delco for over 30 years before his retirement. In his free time, you could find him out tinkering in his garage, listening to Bluegrass music. He had a green thumb and took pride in keeping his yard immaculate. He and Wanda spent many evenings sitting on the porch, enjoying the breeze, and watching the traffic go by. He adored his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They have fond memories of the numerous family vacations they went on to Branson, Missouri. He enjoyed watching IU football and spent every Sunday watching the church service on his phone with Wanda. He was a simple, quiet man. Everyone made sure to listen to what he had to say when he finally did have a comment to make.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Wanda Webster, children Michelle Warrum and Richard Webster, mother Willodean Webster, stepchildren and their families Trent Alexander (Deena), Tonja King, Seth Alexander (Karen), and Serena Alexander, sister Sharon Padfield (David), five grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and four nephews.

A visitation for Jim will be held Friday, March 7, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Full Gospel Tabernacle, 1709 Faith Rd, Kokomo, Indiana 46901, followed by a funeral service at 11:30 AM.



Marcia Costello

Marcia Costello, 91, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Friday, February 28, 2025. She was born December 16, 1933, to the late Robert and Minnie Kuntz.

Marcia was a resident of Kokomo, she worked several years at the license branch and eventually worked as a secretary for Delco before her retirement. She enjoyed doing needlepoint and keeping her hands busy. Marcia was very well traveled with her now late husband Robert Costello. One of their favorite destinations was Nantucket where they enjoyed visits from family and friends. In her later years she lived in Bradenton, Florida, and was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Bradenton. There she was an active member of the choir for over 25 years. She was a giving person and frequently donated to Berea College in Kentucky as well as the Guide Dogs of America, specifically Florida.

Marcia is survived by her children Dominic "Nick" Graves (Melody), Debra Graves O'Neal, and William Graves (Denise), grandchildren Derrick Johnson (Whitney), Christopher Johnson, Julia Marczika (James), John Graves (Kala), Philip Graves (Kristin), and Kathryn Smith (Clint), sister Marjorie Bowyer, as well as several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to her parents Marcia is preceded in death by her first husband Wilbur Graves, last husband Robert Costello, siblings Devonna Campbell and Donald Kuntz, and granddaughter Lisa Graves.

A visitation for Marcia will be held Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM at Ellers Mortuary & Crematory Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, followed by a funeral service at 2:30 PM.



Brenda Lou Lowery

Brenda Lou Lowery, age 70, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. She was born January 1, 1955, (first baby of the new year!) in Kokomo, to Robert and Peggy (Hite) Pettay. She had three kids — Nathan, Nick, and Amy — who survive. In her lifetime, she worked for Kmart and Jefferson Manor, but her favorite job was working in the cafeteria for Darrough Chapel school, where she loved all her kids. Brenda enjoyed puzzles, unicorns and spending time with her family. She was bubbly and fun, light-hearted, kind, and loving. If she was hurting, she would never show it. Brenda Lou will forever missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her children Nathan Denton, Nick Lowery, and Amy Lowe, grandchildren Klayton Denton, Laike Denton, Gauge Denton, Persephoni Lowery, Chloe Lowery, Hailey Lowe, Jimmy Lowe, Isabella Lowe, and Catisina Lowe, great-grandchildren Madyson Denton, Hudson Denton, and Parker Denton, and brother Keith Pettay.

Brenda is preceded in death by her grandmother Florence Hite, parents Robert and Peggy Pettay, and her siblings Bobby Pettay, Bonnie Pettay, and Bill Pettay.

A time of visitation for Brenda will be held Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, with her funeral service at 6:00 PM.



Daniel “Danny” Allen Sturgeon

Daniel “Danny” Allen Sturgeon, 85, Greentown, passed away on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Waterford Place. He was born in Kokomo on April 25, 1939, to the late Bryan and Leona (Strayer) Sturgeon. On March 30, 1988, he married Frances “Jean” Roland, and she preceded him in death on February 8, 2022.

Danny worked for General Motors as a machine repairman. He retired in 1999 after 25 years of service. He attended Greentown Wesleyan Church and was a former member of Moose Lodge in Elwood. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his best friend Ed Burkmire. He loved driving around in his customized S10 and was an Indianapolis Colts fan.

Danny is survived by his son Steve (Holly) Sturgeon, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sister Emily Davis (Roland Desrosiers), nieces Anita (Mike) Roberts and Susan Johns, nephews Kenneth (Stephanie) Davis and Bryan Davis, and special friend for over 60 years Robbie Collett.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers William Sturgeon and Bobby Aldridge, sisters Ramona Mann and Beverly Johns, and brother-in-law Kenneth Davis.

A funeral service celebrating Danny’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 10, 2025, at Greentown Wesleyan Church, 120 N Maple St., Greentown, with Pastor Eric Roemer officiating. A private burial will take place in Greenlawn Cemetery at a later date. Friends may visit with family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday at the church. Hasler & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Greentown Wesleyan Church. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout.com.



Ruben Guerrero Jr.

Ruben Guerrero Jr., aged 51, passed away unexpectedly on February 27, 2025, in Kokomo, Indiana. Born on March 3, 1973, in Chicago, Illinois, Ruben was a man whose warmth and kindness touched all who knew him. He was the cherished son of Silvia M. Guerrero and Ruben W. Guerrero, Sr.

Ruben's early years were spent in the bustling city of Chicago, where he attended St. Lawrence High School. After graduation, Ruben embarked on a career that would become his passion: he became a local truck driver, a profession that allowed him to explore his community, yet come home every night. He met some amazing people every day along the way and always cherished the stories they shared.

He was an avid listener of music, with tastes that spanned genres and eras, creating a soundtrack for the many moments of his life. His love for collecting was evident in his impressive array of baseball cards, stamps, and Star Wars memorabilia. Each item in his collection had a story, and he could spend hours recounting the tales and the joy of his finds.

He leaves behind a loving family who will miss him dearly. His legacy will be carried on by his son Brandon M. Guerrero, who was the pride and joy of his life. Ruben's sisters Gloria Gahagan (husband James) and Silvia Fornuto (husband James) will remember their brother with fondness and deep affection. His nieces and nephews Miranda Ryder (husband Cole), Madison and Meadow Fornuto, Seamus, Shane, Zachary, and Jonathan Gahagan will cherish the memories of their fun-loving uncle. The youngest members of the family, great-nieces Lilly and Lyla Ryder, will grow up hearing stories of their great-uncle's kindness and adventures.

Ruben's extended family of aunts and uncles will also hold his memory close, as he was a treasured member of a large and loving family. His absence will be felt at family gatherings, where his laughter and stories once filled the room.

A Celebration of Life for Ruben will be held at the VFW Post 908, 3011 South Lockburn Street in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Saturday, April 12, from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.



Theresa Ann Welland-Bristol

Theresa Ann Welland-Bristol, 56, of Windfall, passed away at home at 2:17 p.m. on Sunday, March 2, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 24, 1968, to her parents, Fred & Carol (Rutherford) Welland.

Theresa had worked many jobs in her life; the most recent was as a Dietary Aide at Century Villa Health Care & Rehabilitation in Greentown. When not working she enjoyed listening to all types of music, especially songs from the ‘70s and ‘80s. She played many video games on her phone. Theresa was one of those people who had to have her coffee! Three scoops of sugar and one of creamer made it just right.

Survivors include her three children Tyler Allen Bristol of Windfall, Taylor William Bristol of Shelbyville, and Tabitha Renae Horn and her husband Dylon of Elwood, and one brother Bill Welland and his spouse Dawn Laughter of Elkhart. Theresa has one grandchild Braxton Hunter Bristol. She is also survived by the father of her children Richard Bristol.

It was Theresa’s wish to be cremated. Her family is planning a Celebration of Life near her birthday in April. That event will be updated once all of the plans are set.

Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to assist Theresa’s family with her arrangements. Online condolences may be left on her obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.

Memorial donations in honor of Theresa may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 681405, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46268.



Mary Ann (McKinney) Wisehart

Mary Ann (McKinney) Wisehart, 80 years old, of Kokomo, went into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at 1:16 a.m. Sunday, March 2, 2025. She was born on June 25, 1944, in Kokomo, IN, the daughter of the late Claude E. and Lenora (Phipps) McKinney. On July 3, 1982, she married Rodger A. Wisehart, and he preceded her in death on January 21, 2020.

Mary was the best homemaker and caretaker to her husband and their children. She formerly worked in the cafeteria in Delco Electronics and as a custodian in the Markland Mall. She was a big-hearted woman who had an amazing sense of humor. She had a laid-back and carefree demeanor. She would help anybody who was in need. Mary had a strong commitment to Jesus and church, and she loved listening to gospel music. She was a member of In His Image Church in Kokomo.

Mary is survived by her children Beverly Redmon, Michelle (Mike Randolph) Morrow, Teresa (Jay) Lidy, Gwen (Josh) McQueen, Wayne (Kaylie) Verey, and Tami (Emery Stapleton) Wisehart, daughter-in-love and wife of Rodger A. Wisehart Jr., Larrisa Wisehart, 22 grandchildren, and 32 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 17 siblings, son Rodger A. Wisehart Jr., daughter Sharon Wisehart, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

A private graveside service will be held later. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mary’s memory to Shirley & Stout Funeral Home to assist with final expenses. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.