Obituaries, July 19, 2024

Written on 07/19/2024


Deborah "Debbie" Mae Morris

Deborah "Debbie" Mae Morris, 65, of Cicero, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at her residence. She was born on November 2, 1958, in Tipton to Charles N. & Lenora M. (Burden) Jaqua. In 1980, she married David C. Morris, and he survives. The couple enjoyed 44 years of marriage together.

Debbie was a travel agent and helped plan hundreds of unforgettable family vacations for her clients. She was a member of the Rosary Chapter #66 of the Order of Eastern Star. Debbie loved her dogs, gardening, canning, and cooking for her family.

She is survived by her husband David of Cicero; children, Michael Morris and wife Maryn of Arcadia, Alison Smith and husband Carl of Fishers, Vanessa Berning and husband Chris of Bend, Oregon; a brother, Robert Jaqua and wife Dianna of Noblesville; grandchildren, Austin Smith, Nick Berning, Kaitlyn Smith, Wyatt Morris, Josie Morris, and Owen Morris. Debbie is also survived by her niece, Casey Rom and husband David and their son Coy; niece, Staci (Jon) Carder; nephew, Derek (Ashley) Morris; niece Angela (Felipe) Chiong; sisters-in-law, Peggy Morris and Cynthia Gehrke.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Lenora; two brothers, Phil Jaqua and Bill Jaqua; a brother-in-law, Steve Morris.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 23, from 5:00 p.m. until the memorial service begins at 7:00 p.m. at Young-Nichols Funeral Home with Steve Brown presiding.

Memorial donations may be made to the Tipton County Humane Society, P.O. Box 237, Tipton, Indiana, 46072.



Suzanne V. “Susie” Fulton

Suzanne V. “Susie” Fulton, 75, Kokomo, passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born April 14, 1949, in Frankfort, IN, to Otis and Helen (Ferver) Small. On December 28, 1968, she married Daniel Fulton, who survives.

A 1967 Tipton High School graduate, Susie worked as business manager for Dan Fulton Masonry for over 50 years. More recently she was an auto parts driver which allowed her to enjoy being out around town. Susie was a devoted wife and fun-loving mother who supported her daughters in their many activities over the years. Many people enjoyed Susie’s corn, which was a family and friend favorite at many gatherings.

In addition to her husband Dan, she is survived by her daughters, Jody (John) Seratt, Michele (Victor) Parker, Tracy (Dustin) Wolf, and Ashley (Michael) Scircle; grandchildren, Taylor Wolf, Kaylee Wolf, Mason Wolf, Holly Parker, Jacob (Eliza) Barkley; and sisters, Emmanell Dunn and Shirley Bush.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Stanley “Bud” Small, Joanna Scott, Robert “Bob” Small, and James “Jim” Small.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Saturday July 27, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 West Lincoln Road. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Brandon Bogue officiating. The burial will be in Tetersburg Cemetery, Tipton, IN. A reception will follow at Macedonia Church 1532 S 500 E, Kokomo.

Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.



Sarah Louise “Sally” Gilbert

Sarah Louise “Sally” Gilbert, 73, of Kokomo, passed into God’s arms and into the presence of Jesus Christ on July 15, 2024, at 4:17 p.m., at her home.

Born May 3, 1951, in Chicago, IL, to wonderful parents, Dick and Ginny (Olson) Wilkinson, she was the third of four little girls. Though named Sarah, she was affectionately called Sally all her life. Sally graduated from her mother’s alma maters; Oak Park-River Forest High School in Illinois, in 1969, and DePauw University in Greencastle, IN, in 1973. In 1980, she earned a Master of Divinity (Speech and Theology) and in 1989, a Master of Sacred Theology (Pastoral Care and Counseling) from Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, NJ.

Sally joyfully served God as a minister in Presbyterian Churches, throughout New York, New Jersey, Chicago, and Kokomo. Most recently she was co-preacher for Burrows Presbyterian Church in Burrows, IN. Sally loved helping people in servant ministries. She was a hospital volunteer. She worked for Young Life (high school ministry). She went every Saturday for three years of high school to inner city Chicago settlement houses to dispense teaching and hugs to under-privileged children. She volunteered in pet shelters and soup kitchens and was a Spiritual Director for the Great Banquet renewal retreat. During her career, Sally also served as a hospital chaplain, hospice chaplain, and substitute teacher.

Sally married the love of her life, John, on June 9, 1979, in her home church, River Forest Presbyterian, in Illinois. They were ordained to Ministry of Word and Sacrament together on October 16, 1981, in John’s home church, Point Pleasant Presbyterian, in New Jersey.

John and Sally’s precious son, Adam, born on March 20, 1989, was welcomed into the family with joy and gratitude. Sally loved being Adam’s classroom mom during elementary school, hosting holiday parties for Adam and his friends, helping with Adam’s Cub Scout den, and the many excursions she and Adam made to the movies and malls during his growing up years. Along with the love and joy she had in being Adam’s mother, Sally loved being John’s wife and helpmate for 45 years. Sally and John strongly felt called by God to marriage and team ministry.

Sally enjoyed watching sports with her boys, playing tennis, swimming, reading, attending musicals, traveling, and staying in touch with loved ones. She also loved caring for the five dogs that she, John, and Adam adopted, over the years.

Sally leaves behind her loving husband of 45 years, John; her wonderful son, Adam; sister, Nancy; nieces and nephews, Matt, Cass, Amana, Ted, Laura, and Paula; great-nieces and nephews, Kostas, Lukas, Leo, Joseph, Sabrina, and Simone; and many beloved and dear friends from across the country, as well as many nieces and nephews on the Gilbert side of the family. All were appreciated and treasured.

Predeceasing her were her parents and two older sisters, Pam and Diane.

Sally’s Christian faith was tremendously important to her all life long and her top values were the three Fs: Faith, Family, and Friends. She died filled with gratitude for all of God’s many blessings.

A memorial service celebrating Sally’s life will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 12 p.m., at First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 2000 West Jefferson Street, Kokomo, IN 46901, with Pastor Joyce Harris officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 10 a.m. until the time of the service, on Saturday, at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Evangelical Presbyterian Church or the Kokomo Humane Society. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.



Robert Glen Bradshaw

Robert Glen Bradshaw, 87, passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. Robert (Bob) was born May 31, 1937, on the Bradshaw Family Farm near Carbon, IN. He was the fifth child of William Henry and Orlean Kathryn Bradshaw. Bob graduated from Brazil High School as a member of the class of 1955. He was a standout math student, and he lettered in football and track. On June 1, 1957, Bob married the love of his life, Norma Diane, the daughter of Roy Thomas and Dorthea Jane Harland. Bob and Norma raised two sons, Robert Kent (wife Cassandra) and Richard Alan (wife Ann), who blessed them with grandsons Benjamin (wife Abigail,) Zachary, Jacob (wife Mackinzi,) Pete, and Damon and great-grandchildren Lainey and Lennox.

Bob was a graduate of Indiana State University with a degree in Mathematics Education and a minor in General Science. He also received his Master’s from Indiana State University in Physical Geography. His teaching career began at McClain Junior High School and Glenn High School in Terre Haute, Indiana. Bob continued his 40-year career as a mentor, teacher, coach, and athletic director at Greencastle Junior High, Brazil Junior High and High Schools, Van Buren High School, Stonewall Jackson Junior High, and Edgewater High School. Bob also enjoyed coaching his sons’ sports at the YMCA in Brazil, Indiana.

Bob lived on and ran the family farm raising grain, hogs and Shorthorn cattle. His sons were both 10-year 4-Hers, which Bob supported as the leader of the Van Buren Hustlers 4-H Club. He contributed to his community by service in the Indiana National Guard, participating as a member of the Clay County YMCA board of directors, teaching Sunday school at Carbon United Methodist Church, and volunteering as a fire fighter for Van Buren Township. Bob was an avid reader and especially enjoyed Zane Gray books. He was a lifetime St. Louis Cardinals baseball and Indiana Hoosiers basketball fan. After retiring from farming and moving to Florida, Bob continued to teach math and he became known as an expert golf club fitter at Dubsdread Golf Course. During the last year of his life, Bob put his science degree to work making special essential oil formulations that he shared with his neighbors at Copper Trace Assisted Living. He was known for his version of Thieves essential oil. Bob had a positive attitude, and loving glow about his persona that was charming to all he met.

Bob was preceded in death by his dear wife of 63 years, his parents, and his siblings Dorothy Klingler, William Bradshaw, Mildred Teter and John Bradshaw. He is survived by his sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Carolyn Bradshaw, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at White Pine Manor in Brazil, IN, on Sunday, August 11, commencing at 2:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Clay County Youth Food Delivery Service, c/o Clay County YMCA, 225 E. Kruzan St, Brazil, IN 47834. Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.



Howard "JR" Eugene Buchanan Jr.

Howard "JR" Eugene Buchanan Jr., age 46, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at his residence. He was born on June 27, 1978, in Havre de Grace, Maryland, to the Howard Eugene Buchanan Sr. and the late Bernada Armstrong. JR married Ashley (Harrington) Buchanan on May 23, 2016, and she survives.

JR was a homemaker and took care of his wife and children. He enjoyed spending time with children and playing XBOX. JR was a "Jack-of-all-trades" and was very talented when it came to fixing things as well as knowledgeable in plumbing, electrical, car repairs, etc. He was a man's man. He also loved to help others in need.

JR is survived by his wife, Ashley; 10 children, Christian Buchanan, Vanessa (Juan) Acosta, Peyton (Lindsey) Harrington, Joshua Gibson, Korbin Gibson, Rydder Buchanan, Greyson Buchanan, Zaythyn Buchanan, Brixton Buchanan, and Remington Buchanan; many grandchildren; many siblings; parents-in-law, Darin Harrington and Ava (Eldon) Harrington; and brother-in-law, Darin Harrington II.

Preceded in death is his son, Keeghan Buchanan; and mother, Bernada Armstrong.

The family will have a Celebration of Life at a later date.



Sarah Ashley Johnson

Sarah Ashley Johnson, 31, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away July 17, 2024. She was born on March 8, 1993, in Kokomo, Indiana, the daughter of Roger Lee Johnson and Linda Darlene Johnson. She enjoyed coloring, watching movies, and doing puzzles. She loved getting her hair done. She loved indulging in various cuisines. She also liked yoga, Zumba, dancing, swimming, singing and was a very passionate member of Full Gospel Tabernacle.

Left to cherish her memory is her father, Roger; three brothers, Derrick Johnson, Christopher Johnson, Joshua Johnson; sister, Suzzane Sparger; nephews, Alixander, Navin, David, Crew, Dash; nieces, Evelynn, Everleigh, Susan, Onnalisa, Bella.

Sarah was preceded in death by her grandparents; mother, Linda; aunt, Mickey.

Services to be announced at a later date.



Ruth Marion King

Ruth Marion King, 90, of Indianapolis, passed away on July 17, 2024, at Clearvista Lake Health Campus in Indianapolis. She was born in L’Anse, Michigan, on December 1, 1933, to Robert and Edna (Gull) Westphal. On September 11, 1954, Ruth married Gene P. King and he preceded her in death on June 6, 1998.

Ruth attended Lowell High School, in Lowell, Indiana, and went on to become a Real Estate Broker for King Reality, for more than 30 years. She was an active member of the Methodist Church.

Ruth is survived by her children, Paul King, Cathie (Dave) Wood, and Tim (Heather) King; grandchildren, Kevin King, Michael Moretsky, Kameron King, Kiana King, Kory King, Laurana King, and Lindriel King; as well as several great-grandsons, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, and loving husband, Gene.

A private burial will be held at Maplewood Memorial Cemetery in Crown Point, Indiana. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.



Marlene Irene Heuer

Marlene Irene Heuer, age 90, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. She was born March 31, 1934, in Petoskey, Michigan, to the late Raymond and Irene Burrows.

She was a loving mother to her three daughters Margery, Patsy, and Joanne. She had a true green thumb and enjoyed taking care of her indoor plants and outdoor garden.

She is survived by her daughter Joanne LaFleur (Alan) and son John "Johnny" Heuer Jr., 7 grandchildren, and several great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents Marlene is preceded in death by her daughters Patsy Henderson and Margery Black, her first husband Richard "Dick" Conkright, her second husband John Heuer Sr., her brother George Burrows, and her son-in-law Tom Black.

Per Marlene's wishes, there will be no public services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Marlene's name can be made to the Kokomo Humane Society.