Obituaries, December 21, 2024

Written on 12/21/2024


Wilma Jean Shupperd

Wilma Jean Shupperd, age 97, of Tipton, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, while surrounded by her loving family. Wilma was born on April 24, 1927, to her parents, Harry Thompson and Edell (Zigler) Thompson. Wilma married her great love, Philip Shupperd. He passed away in 1992 after the two had shared 30 years of marriage.

Wilma graduated from Edinburgh High School in the class of 1945. Shortly after, Wilma followed Philip to Tipton to start their family and work for Delco Electronics. She retired from Delco in 1984 after 30 dedicated years to spend time with her grandchildren.

Wilma was a true woman of God, and every area of her life reflected this commitment. She was a member of the Assembly of God Church for over 50 years. Her faith led the way, and Wilma was an example and encouragement to many through the years. Her church family appreciated and admired her. Wilma’s husband, children, and grandchildren respected and adored her. She was naturally warm and welcoming and loved taking care of others. You were blessed if you ever had the opportunity to enjoy one of Wilma’s meals. She loved cooking and baking. Wilma was also very talented in quilting, crocheting, and embroidery. She enjoyed reading as well, especially her Bible. Wilma will be missed beyond measure. She was a true gift in the lives of many!

Those left to carry on Wilma’s legacy of love are her children, Julie Kerr (Phillip), Denise Hamby (Dave); daughter in law, Carol Shupperd; grandchildren, Larry Joe Shupperd (Marisol), Carrie Hutton (Jonathon), Eric Kerr (Michelle), Jon Keifer (Molly), Ronnie Backman, Frankie Dillman, Zack Hamby, Drew Hutton; 18 great-grandchildren, several great-great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Wilma was welcomed into Heaven by her parents, Harry & Edell Thompson; husband, Philip Shupperd; son, Gregory Shupperd; and sisters, Dacia Tobias, Donnie Jones, and Julia Thompson.

A funeral service celebrating Wilma’s life will be held on Monday, December 23, 2024, at 12:00 PM at Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home, located at 314 N. Main St. in Tipton, with Pastor Mark Sluka officiating. Visitation for family and friends will take place prior to the service from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be held at Tipton’s Fairview Cemetery immediately following the service.

Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Shupperd family in their time of need.



Ross “Pete” Elbert Young

Ross “Pete” Elbert Young, 84, of Russiaville, passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at his home. He was born on October 21, 1940, the son of Robert D. and Lenore M. (Fortner) Young. In 1990, he married Carol Heindl, and she preceded him in death in July of 2005.

Pete worked in Kokomo, Indiana, as a carpenter from 1963 to 1972. He then moved to Arkansas where he ran a small local grocery store and drove a school bus until 1979. Pete briefly moved to Russiaville for three years where he drove a semi. He moved to California and cowboyed on large cattle ranches in California and Nevada. He lived in Mina, Nevada, off and on for the last 35 years. Pete recently moved back to Russiaville to receive medical care and to be with family.

Pete is survived by his sister, Barbara McKee and companion John Ratcliff; and many nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, Robert and Lenore Young, Pete is preceded in death by his brother, Robert Young; sisters, Sharon Goddard, and Beverly Vanderbeck; and very close nephews, Jamie Young, and Travis Young.

The family would like to thank the wonderful people that worked with them from Paradigm Healthcare Hospice. And a very special thank you to his friends in Mina, Nevada, who helped take care of him before his move back home to Indiana.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 30, 2024, at New London Cemetery. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.



William "Bill" Gibson

William "Bill" Gibson, a cherished soul known for his intelligence, adventurous spirit, and thoughtful nature, passed away peacefully in Lafayette, IN. Born on July 12, 1965, in Howard County, IN, Bill was a beacon of strength and joy for all who knew him.

The beloved son of James (Geneva) Gibson Sr. and Nora (Bruce) Keller, Bill grew up in a nurturing environment that shaped the compassionate man he became. A proud graduate of Kokomo High School in 1983, he carried the values of hard work and dedication throughout his life.

Following high school, Bill served his country with honor and distinction in the United States Marines from 1983 to 1987. His time in the service instilled in him a sense of discipline and camaraderie that he carried into his civilian life.

Bill's creativity shone through in his love for drawing, a hobby that brought him immense joy and relaxation. His artistic talent was just one aspect of his multifaceted personality. Family was the cornerstone of Bill's life, and he often shared his passion for the outdoors with them. Camping trips with his children were among his most cherished moments, filled with laughter, storytelling, and the making of lifelong memories.

He was a devoted father to Jennifer (Gene) Pitcher Joey Garr, Andrew Garr, and Amanda Sanders. His children, along with his grandchildren Nikayliann, Raelynn, Ava, Olivia, Vivian, Kaylin, Koby, were the center of his universe. Bill's love for his family was unconditional and unwavering, and he took every opportunity to express his pride and affection for them.

Bill was also a loving brother to Janie (James) Farr, Lori Teter, Ron (Anna) Parrish, Bill (Colleen) Keller, Butch (Rachelle) Gibson Jr., Bob Keller, Mike Parrish, and Jerry Gibson. His siblings remember him, always ready with a word of advice or a comforting embrace.

His life was a testament to the power of love, commitment, and resilience. Those who knew Bill understood that his adventurous spirit was matched only by his intelligence and thoughtfulness. He approached every challenge with a calm demeanor and a strategic mind, traits that earned him the respect and admiration of all who worked with him.

Bill's legacy is one of love, service, and creativity. His memories will be treasured in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to cross paths with him. His departure leaves a void that can never be filled, but his spirit will continue to inspire those he left behind.

As we say goodbye to William "Bill" Gibson, we celebrate a life well-lived—a life full of purpose, joy, and an abundance of love. His journey on this earth may have come to an end, but the stories of his kindness, courage, and unwavering spirit will be passed down through generations.

We take solace in knowing that Bill's legacy will live on through his family, his art, and the countless lives he touched. His was a life that exemplified the very best of what it means to be human.

Rest in peace, Bill. Your memory will forever be a guiding light to all who knew you.

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