Obituaries, July 2, 2024

Written on 07/02/2024


Bonnie Jean (Davy) Browning

Bonnie Jean (Davy) Browning, 69, of Russiaville, passed away Saturday, June 29, 2024, at her home. She was born in Kokomo, IN, on February 17, 1955, the daughter of the late Ned and JoAnn (Fouch) Davy. On April 30, 1999, she married Rick Browning in Knoxville, TN, and he survives.

Bonnie was a 1973 graduate of Taylor High School. She earned a degree from Rudae’s Beauty College. She retired from General Motors after serving for 30 years on the production line. She was the best caretaker and homemaker who cared for her husband and her family. She was skilled at cooking, baking, and knitting blankets. Bonnie enjoyed attending car shows, watching NASCAR, and she was a member of the Local #292 Retirees. She volunteered at the Humane Society in Kokomo, and she adored all animals, but especially her pet cats. Bonnie was an avid gambler. She frequently played Bingo, lottery tickets, and enjoyed trips to Hoosier Park Casino in Anderson.

In addition to her husband Rick, Bonnie is survived by her stepdaughters, Jill (Kip) Conaway, Amy Browning (Jimmy Ronk); father-in-law, Troy Browning; grandchildren, Kinzie Conaway, Troy Conaway, Shelby Conaway, Emily Morgan, Mason Morgan; nieces, Laurie (Josh) McCarty, April (Scott) Moore; great-nephews, Tyler (Aspyn) McKay, Braydon (Kortney) McKay, and Austin Zadra.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ned and JoAnn Davy; sister, Becky Howery; and mother-in-law, Rose Browning.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. to noon Friday July 5, 2024, at Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel, 200 E. Main St., Russiaville, IN 46979. Funeral service will begin at noon on Friday at the funeral home with Herb Fouch officiating. Burial will follow in Russiaville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bonnie’s memory to Stout & Son Funeral Home to assist with final expenses.



Marie Elizabeth (Betsy) Prickett North

Marie Elizabeth (Betsy) Prickett North, 86, of Tipton, died on June 28, 2024, at The Waters of Tipton (formerly Miller’s Merry Manor). She was born on March 3, 1938, East of Arcadia, Indiana, to Marie E. Grim Prickett Overdorf and Kenneth Leroy Prickett. Betsy was baptized at Bethel Lutheran Church on April 9, 1939, by Rev. Mullendore and confirmed also at Bethel Lutheran Church on June 1, 1952, by Rev. lvan H. Miller. She married Paul G. North on July 26, 1963, at Bethel Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Cicero, Indiana. The couple enjoyed 55 years of marriage together before Paul’s death on April 18, 2018.

Betsy graduated from Walnut Grove High School in 1956 and after high school she worked at Pioneer H-Bred International from 1956-1990. At the time of her retirement, she was the General Accounts Payable Manager responsible for all payables for all Pioneer Company locations east of the Mississippi River. She also worked at the Sign Shop in Tipton as bookkeeper from 1990-1991. Betsy worked at Emanuel Lutheran Church as special projects secretary from 1991-2007.

She was a member of the Emanuel Lutheran Church LCMS in Tipton, where she served as secretary to the Board of Directors at the church; both she and Paul were active members. In her spare time Betsy also volunteered her time at Miller's Merry Manor and at the Tipton Library. Betsy was a previous member of the Women's Business and Professional Club in Tipton. She also served as secretary for the Tipton Community Fund.

Betsy is survived by her daughter, Paula Irene North Ceplecha and son-in-law Steve Ceplecha and grandson, Elijah Joseph Ceplecha. She was preceded in death by her husband Paul George North and grandson, Levi Thomas Ceplecha.

Funeral services for Betsy will be on Monday, July 8, at 1:00 p.m. at the Emanuel Lutheran Church in Tipton with Rev. Robb Roloff presiding. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday, July 7, from 1:00–5:00 p.m. at Young-Nichols Funeral Home and on Monday from 12 noon until service time at the church.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to Concordia Theological Seminary Ft. Wayne, Indiana -student aid,6600 North Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825 or online at ctsfw.edu.



Nicholas Lee Bowlin

Nicholas Lee Bowlin, known affectionately as Nick to his friends and family, passed away on June 30, 2024, at the age of 38. Born on December 18, 1985, in Kokomo, Indiana.

Nick was a cherished son to Judy Bowlin and James "Butch" Bowlin (Missy), and a beloved brother to Zachary, AJ (Annie), David (Emily), Owen Smith, and Oakley Smith. He was also a proud uncle to his many nieces and nephews: Devon, Mia, Rylie, Bryson, David, Theo, Chione, Oliver and Orrin, Corbin, Callie, Cohen, Stella, Raiden, Melina, Livy, Makayya, Andrew, and Izzy. His stepsisters, Shawna White (Justin), Chelsie Liton (Roger), and Jessica Burgess, held a special place in his heart. Nick was blessed with the love and guidance of his grandparents, Barbara Bowlin, and David Mendez (Jan Baird), and Debbie Cook. His extended family included his aunts and uncles, Mike Bowlin, Kim and Brian Wilson, and Daniel Mendez, all of whom will miss him dearly.

Nick was preceded in death by his grandfather Albert Bowlin, grandmother Margarita Anaya, Uncle Robert Mendez, and a special cousin, Tevin Mendez. Their memories and the lessons they imparted remain a guiding light in the lives of those who continue to cherish Nick's memory.

A proud graduate of Kokomo High School's Class of 2004, Nick carried with him the spirit of camaraderie and community that he cultivated during his school years. He was a dedicated employee at Park 100, where his colleagues valued his work ethic, his sense of humor, and his unfailing friendliness.

An avid sports enthusiast, Nick's passion for the game of baseball was unparalleled. He could often be found cheering on his favorite teams, and his knowledge of the sport was both impressive and endearing. His love for music, especially the tunes of the Grateful Dead, was a testament to his appreciation for the classics and his zest for life.

Nick's personality was the epitome of kindness, and his humor brought laughter to every gathering. He was the kind of friend who was always there when you needed him, ready with a smile, a joke, or a listening ear. His friendly demeanor made him a beloved figure in his community, and his absence will be felt by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

As we say goodbye to Nicholas Lee Bowlin, we celebrate the joy he brought into our lives. His legacy is one of love, laughter, and the enduring bonds of family and friendship. Nick's memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched, and the stories of his kindness, humor, and friendliness will be passed down through generations.

In honoring Nick's life, we are reminded to cherish the simple pleasures, to enjoy the company of loved ones, and to live each day with the same enthusiasm and warmth that he did. Nick's journey may have ended, but the impact of his life continues to inspire and comfort us.

Though we mourn the loss of such a vibrant soul, we take solace in the memories we shared with Nick. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Let us hold him close in our thoughts and let the essence of his spirit guide us as we navigate the days ahead without him. Rest in peace, Nicholas Lee Bowlin. Your light will forever shine in our lives.

City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with handling the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com

Kenneth M. Mahaney

Kenneth M. Mahaney, age 77, a resident of Tipton, peacefully passed away on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at The Waters of Tipton. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, born on February 20, 1947, to Paul and Cherie (Tidler) Mahaney. Kenneth married Kathy Ripberger on July 25, 1980, until her passing on October 27, 1992. On November 18, 1995, he entered into marriage with Mary Schnerre who survives him.

Kenneth dedicated a significant portion of his career to Delco Electronics in Kokomo until his retirement in 1998. A man of varied interests, he enjoyed activities such as golfing, boating, cherishing moments with his grandchildren, and traveling. Notably, Kenneth served with pride in the United States Army in Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Mary Mahaney; his daughter, Kelly Williams of Kokomo; brothers, Richard Mahaney and Davey Joe Mahaney with wife Geraldine in Tipton; as well as his beloved grandchildren - Brook Harshman, Blake Williams, Alyson Yoars accompanied by husband Tyler Yoars, Gavin Blanchard, Miracle Hunter, and Makenna Hunter. Preceding him in death were two stepchildren, Ashley Rich and Sarah Rich; sister, Betty Bray; and brother Dennis Mahaney.

Kenneth M. Mahaney will be remembered for his dedication to family and country. His presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Private family services are planned, and Kenneth will be buried in St. John’s Cemetery. Young-Nichols Funeral Home is handling his arrangements.

Memorial donations in Kenneth’s honor may be made to help veterans through the Jackson Street Commons, 322 E. Jackson Street, Kokomo, Indiana, 46901.