Anthony Northington
Anthony Northington, age 70, of Kokomo, died on Sept. 11, 2024. A funeral service for Anthony will be held on Thu., Oct. 3, 2024, from noon until 1 p.m. at the N.L. Bluitt, Jr. Funeral Chapel, 511 E. Monroe St., Kokomo, Ind. A visitation for family and friends will take place from 11 a.m. until noon at the chapel.
N.L. Bluitt, Jr. Funeral Chapel, Inc. was entrusted with the arrangements.
Kathleen (Kathi) Margaret Gibson
Kathleen (Kathi) Margaret Gibson, 67, Kokomo, passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at St. Vincent Hospital. She was born on January 15, 1957, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Russell Rennaker and Janet (Osborne) Rennaker. She graduated from Haworth High School in 1975 and married her high school sweetheart, Larry Gibson, on September 18, 1976.
The oldest of five children, Kathi was known for her caring nature and unwavering dedication to others. She provided warmth and compassion to friends and family, leaving an enduring mark on everyone. While attending school, she participated in choir and cheer block. Kathi had three children while obtaining both a cosmetology degree in 1986 and a Licensed Practical Nursing degree later in 1989.
An avid reader, Kathi had a particular fondness for crime dramas and murder mysteries. She enjoyed participating in a Kokomo bowling league with friends for several years. Kathi found joy in the beauty of the world around her, relishing in the moonlight, fireworks, lighthouses, and the calming presence of the ocean. She loved sharing music with her family and friends and enjoyed traveling with them to exciting places. Later in life, she found no greater joy than spending time with her grandson.
Kathi is survived by her children Kelli, Joshua (Katherine), and Andrew (Catherine Lynn); grandchild Tyler; siblings Karen (Rennaker) Starkey, and Steven Rennaker; and numerous friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Larry; brothers David Rennaker and Michael Rennaker; and her parents Russell Rennaker and Janet (Osborne) Reilley. She will be dearly missed, but her joy, kindness, perseverance, and strength will never be forgotten by her friends and family.
A time of visitation for Kathleen will be held Thursday, October 3, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home & Cemetery, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902.
Michael Wayne Arnett
Michael Wayne Arnett, a Navy veteran, passionate Harley Davidson rider, devoted fan of the Indianapolis 500, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2024, at the age of 57.
Born on June 1, 1967, in Kokomo, Indiana, Michael lived his life with passion, loyalty, and a fierce commitment to his family—both by blood and by choice. Michael proudly served his country as a Machinery Repairman Second Class in the U.S. Navy from 1985 to 1989. His time in the Navy forged a deep sense of camaraderie and discipline, traits that defined his life both during and after his service.
After the Navy, Michael worked at Shepherd's Tool until opening Arnie's Woodworking, building custom cabinets. He then followed his father's footsteps by hiring on at Chrysler, where he recently retired from, after 30 years. He has always found his freedom and joy in riding his Harley Davidson. As a dedicated member of the Milwaukee Iron Motorcycle Club, he was known for his loyalty, generosity, and love of the open road. He cherished the brotherhood within the club and was always ready for a ride or a helping hand for his fellow brothers.
Beyond his love for motorcycles, Michael had a deep passion for racing in general, but especially the Indianapolis 500, a race that held a special place in his heart. He never missed a chance to experience the thrill of the Indy 500, sharing his enthusiasm with friends and family. The roar of engines and the speed of the race mirrored the way he lived his life—fast, intense, and full of excitement.
When he wasn’t on the road or following a race, Michael found peace in the great outdoors, often fishing and hunting. But his greatest source of pride and joy came from the time he spent with his family and friends. He was a loving and devoted "chosen" father and grandfather, playing a central role in the lives of his chosen children and grandchildren. You could always catch him playing with the kiddos, and NOT acting his age. His love and commitment to them was unwavering, and they knew they could always count on him for guidance, support, and unconditional love. His heart was as big as the road he traveled, and his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched.
Mikey is survived by his mother, Mary June Arnett; brother, Daniel (Rachel) Arnett; extended family, Kaylee (Clay) Anderson, Dylan (Daniela) O'Dell, and Ryland Smith; grandkids, Case & Mabel Anderson; nieces and a nephew, Holly (Jeremy) Ploch, Zach (Alyssa) Arnett and Mary (Joshua) Delaney; as well as other family, and a vast community of friends and fellow riders who became his extended family.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joe Fred Arnett.
There will be a celebration of life for Mikey on Friday, October 4, 2024, from 4:30 p.m. until the time of service with Military Honors at 7:30 p.m. at Ellers Mortuary, 725 S. Main St., Kokomo.
His memory will live on in every ride, every race, and every act of kindness he showed to those around him. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kokomo VFW Local 1152 in honor of Mikey's love for motorcycles, racing, and family. “Ride free, Lil' Mike. Fair winds, following seas, and full throttle ahead.”
Monique C. Butler
Monique C. Butler, age 49, of Kokomo, passed away on Sept. 17, 2024. A funeral service for Monique will be held on Sat., Oct. 5, 2024, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church, 1599 E. Sycamore St., Kokomo, Ind. Visitation for friends and family will be held from 9-11 a.m. prior to services on Oct. 5.
N.L. Bluitt, Jr. Funeral Chapel, Inc. was entrusted with the arrangements.
Jeannine Lynn Faulkner
Jeannine Lynn Faulkner, 70, of Winter Haven, Florida, passed away on Thursday, September 26, 2024. She was born June 12, 1954, in New Castle, Indiana, to the late Pauline "Pat" and Fred Burk Jr.
Jeannine graduated from W.P Chrysler High School in New Castle, IN, in 1973. She moved to Kokomo, IN, and worked at Chrysler until her retirement in 2008. She married Thomas Faulkner, September 9, 1989. She and her husband, Tom, moved to Winter Haven, FL, in 2016. The only thing she loved more than laying on the beach was spending time with her friends and family.
Jeannine is survived by her loving husband Thomas E. "Bomber" Faulkner of Winter Haven, FL, children; Amber R. Pyle and Michael W. Pyle both of Kokomo, IN, sister; Deborah L. Burk of Pendleton, IN, 8 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents Jeannine was preceded in death by her brother Stephen W. Burk and sister Merrillee C. Burk.
A visitation for Jeannine will be held Monday, October 7, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home & Cemetery, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, followed by a funeral service at 1:30 PM.
John "Neal" Shockney
“Mr. Wonderful Neal” has arrived at home – a jokester to the end.
John ‘Neal’ Shockney left this earth to his heavenly reward on September 27, 2024, at The Waters in Tipton, Indiana. He is reunited with all the saints that have gone before him including daughter Belinda.
He was born on January 12, 1940, in Windfall, Indiana, to John and Mary (Teter) Shockney. He married his sweetheart Nedalyn ‘Sue’ (Davis) Shockney on May 7, 1960. Neal loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as well as the many others that loved him as family. Neal never knew a stranger and gave sacrificially as he served his church, food pantry, Lion’s Club, volunteer fire department – EMT, Tipton County emergency management, Gideons International, his career at Tipton Hospital, and several other community and business organizations.
Neal and Sue’s Children include Michael (Shari) Shockney, Ronald (Lucymar) Shockney, Belinda (Shockney) Wells, Brian (Angela) Shockney, Mathew (Susan) Shockney, and son-in-law Barent Wells (Teresa). He left a legacy with 17 grandchildren and several great- grandchildren.
He was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, John and Mary Shockney; daughter, Belinda Wells; and brothers, Charles Shockney and David Shockney.
During his 84 years on this earth, Neal shared his love for Jesus, shared his faith with those who would listen and those who wouldn’t. Neal and Sue’s home has always been a place of laughter, acceptance, refuge, and comfort. Neal enjoyed fishing and target practicing with his kids and grandkids. He was known for his distribution of candy and gave out Gideon Bibles -even in his final days. He always made you feel special as everyone was his ‘favorite’.
A service of celebration of life will be held on October 12, 2024, at the Windfall United Methodist Church, Windfall, Indiana. Celebrants can greet the family from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM with services at 2:00 PM and gravesite services immediately following at Brookside Cemetery. To honor Neal’s life, a donation may be given to Gideons International and the Wildcat Township Volunteer Fire Department in memory of John Neal Shockney or a charity of your choice.
Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Shockney family in their time of need.
Stephen Joseph Schutte
Stephen Joseph Schutte, 69 of Elwood, died peacefully on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Maple Park Village in Westfield. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on March 4, 1955, to Richard and Elvera (Berlier) Schutte.
Steve was proud to serve in the United States Army where he served in the Middle East, as well as Germany and the Fiji Islands. He was an avid disc golfer; he belonged to a few different disc golf clubs. When Steve was not maintaining the Elwood Disc Golf course, he was starting a new project, from building jewelry boxes to his pergola. He would spend time tending to his rose garden, his cherry blossom tree, his cherry trees, and his fir trees (which Roscoe was determined to kill). Steve loved his evenings outside by a fire where he would read and play with his dog Roscoe. What Steve loved the most was cooking and spending time with his family.
Steve leaves behind his stepdaughter Elisabeth Johnson and her husband David Johnson of Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, and their three children Brody, Asher, and Lilah. Steve was very active in his grandchildren’s lives and would often visit regardless of how far away they were. Steve made it a point to impart as much of his love on his grandchildren as he could.
Secondly, his stepson Tyler Wright and his wife Kimberly Wright. He would often make trips to Tennessee to visit Tyler and Kim (and Gus’s Fried Chicken). From Beale Street to Nashville, they always made memories and would always share stories and enjoy each other’s company.
And finally, his son Christopher Schutte and his wife Katelyn Schutte and their son Ezekiel Joseph. Steve and Chris spent time cooking and talking about life, playing disc golf, fishing and watching movies. Steve was very active in his grandson’s life and was able to spend his last year getting to know Ezekiel. Ezekiel was a bright spot in Steve’s final year as they would often spend time laughing and being ornery.
Steve also has four living siblings. Gary and Debby Diehl and their five children, Stephany Parker, Jake Diehl, Sarah Parker, Nick Diehl, Holly Lane; Tom and Arlena Schutte and their son Alex Schutte; Bob and Jenny Cox and their sons David and Stephen Cox and Larry and Mary Beth Gibbs and their daughter Lindsay Glew and son Brian Gibbs.
No services are planned. Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to assist the Schutte family in their time of need. Condolences for Stephen’s family may be made on his obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.
Shirley (Smithers) Fogle
Shirley (Smithers) Fogle, age 91, of Tipton, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at The Waters of Tipton. She was born on September 9, 1942, in Manistique, Michigan, to her parents, William Earl Smithers & Kathryn Mae (Robare) Smithers. She married the love of her life, Jewel Finley Fogle; he preceded her in death in 1996.
Shirley was a homemaker and took great pride in keeping a nice house. In her free time, she loved art and landscaping. She was the oldest of four siblings. What she looked forward to most in life were the visits from her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed!
Those left to carry on Shirleys’s legacy of love are her children and grandchildren.
Shirley was welcomed into Heaven by her parents.
Burial will take place at a later date at Albright Cemetery in Kokomo, Indiana.
Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Fogle family in their time of need.