Angela Gail Black, Jeanette Prather, Anthony "Scott" Ruckman, Linda Elaine Kemper, Sandra (Sandy) K. Sarber

Angela Gail Black

Angela Gail Black, 52, Kokomo, Indiana, passed away at 3:38 a.m. Friday, March 21, 2025, at her home. She was born November 1, 1972, in Kokomo, the daughter of Paul McCartney and the late Brenda Downham.

Angela had a deep love for reading and was an avid collector of all things cows. She enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether riding motorcycles, camping, or fishing. She cherished cookouts and family gatherings, always welcoming loved ones into her home. Her house was a favorite hangout spot for her sons' friends, where she created a warm and inviting atmosphere. In her quiet moments, she found joy in adult coloring books and electronic puzzles.

Angela is survived by: her father Paul McCartney; fiancé, Chris Edwards; sons, John (Tarra) Black and Anthony (Torri) Black; grandchildren, Nyia Davis, Jacob Steele, Hunter Steele, Athalia Black, and Hunter Whitehead; stepfather, Mike Downham; and nephew, Eli Smith.

Angela was preceded in death by her mother, Brenda Downham.

A funeral service honoring Angela will be held at noon Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, Jefferson Street Chapel, 414 W. Jefferson Street, Kokomo, with Dennis Chapman officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home on Jefferson Street.

Jeanette Prather

Jeanette Prather, 99, Greentown, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2025.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., Friday, March 28, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with the Rosary at 7 p.m., and again from 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., Saturday, March 29, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1229 N. Washington St., Kokomo. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 p.m. on Saturday at the church. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Anthony "Scott" Ruckman

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Anthony "Scott" Ruckman, age 46, on March 23, 2025. Known to his friends and family by many names, including Scotty, Scooter, Papi, Fabio, and Pook, Scott was a man whose larger-than-life presence touched the hearts of all who knew him.

A proud and devoted family man, Scott’s greatest accomplishment was the family he built and the love he shared with them. He leaves behind his beloved spouse Danielle Ruckman as well as: his children Mackenzie "KittyKat" Ruckman, her spouse Steven Corona, and their children Itzayana, Oscar, and Luna; Anthony "Bubby" Ruckman, and his spouse Morgan; and sons Maliki "Squirt," Hayden "Bug Bug," Liam "Shorty," Harrison "Little One," Gaige "Googe," and Caden. He is also survived by his parents Mike Richey, John Ruckman, and Jill Paterson, and his brothers Mike Welsh and Jacob Ruckman. His nephews Michael and Mathew Murphy and niece Cassie Welsh will also carry his memory forward. He was preceded in death by his cherished mother Peggy Richey.

Scott was a proud member of Fuel Church, and although he had not been attending as frequently, he was a Christian. He knew Jesus and was baptized in August of 2022. He lived by the motto "Hold Fast," and he imparted this value of resilience and perseverance to all who knew him. His dynamic personality was marked by his wit, humor, sarcasm, and an unwavering ability to make everyone feel like family. He could walk into any room and make an impression; his laughter and presence are unforgettable.

As a man of many passions, Scott had an insatiable love for life. He cherished spending time with his kids and family, enjoying baseball and all sports, video games, and his favorite outdoor activities like camping and hiking. He was an avid reader and movie enthusiast and had a deep love for music, particularly his favorite bands, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Phil Collins, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Pink Floyd. He was also a fantastic dancer. His new RV, which he was eager to take on adventures, stood as a symbol of his zest for life and his love for creating new memories with those closest to him.

Scott's sense of humor, his ability to teach respect and accountability, and his dedication to making those around him feel valued and loved will be deeply missed. He was more than just a friend; he was family to so many, a jokester who knew how to bring light into any situation, and a person whose legacy will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A celebration of Scott’s life will be held at Highland Park Church, 516 W. Sycamore St. Kokomo, on March 29 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Fuel Church in his honor. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Linda Elaine Kemper

Linda Elaine Kemper, 74, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away March 23, 2025. She was born on July 5, 1950, in Evansville, Indiana, the daughter of Herman and Agnes (Simpson) Elder. She married William Kemper on July 25, 1970, who survives. She was a 1968 graduate of Kokomo High School.

Linda retired from the United States Post office in 2003. She loved decorating eggs for her church fundraiser, crafting, and most of all spending time with her family. She also enjoyed making photo albums. She was fascinated by the Royal Family and was an avid reader. In later years, she was a full-time grandma and went to all of their sports and other activities. She was a member of Full Gospel Tabernacle Apostolic Church.

Left to cherish her memory are: her loving husband, Bill; children, Patrick (Carey) Kemper, Melissa (Ronald) Jones, and Josh Kemper; grandchildren, Angel, Zachary, Tyler, Madison, Mackenzie, Isaac, Austin (Chloe), Kaiden, Gavin (Aubree), and Aaron (Emma); great-grandchildren, Sailor, Axton, Delilah, Arlo, and Alyonna; brother, Don (Sue) Elder; and very special friends, Jim and Wanda

Linda was preceded in death by her parents and grandson, Matthew Jones.

A Celebration of Life Service will take place at 1:00 PM on April 5, 2025, at Full Gospel Tabernacle Apostolic Church. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.

Sandra (Sandy) K. Sarber

On Tuesday, March 25, Sandra (Sandy) K. Sarber, age 84, of Galveston, IN, left her earthly bonds and went to her heavenly home.

Sandy was born and raised in Milledgeville, IL, where she lived with her loving parents Preston and Ruth Kreider and her much beloved sisters Sylvia (Kreider) Lutz and Sara Jane (Kreider) Herrick. She cherished her hometown, and her time spent growing up there.

Sandy received her bachelor’s degree in education from Manchester College and her master’s degree from Indiana University Kokomo. Teaching and tutoring would be a cornerstone of her life. Following college, Sandy moved to Galveston, IN, where she continued to reside for the rest of her life. She taught at Galveston Elementary School and later served as a substitute teacher, directed the school program for the children of migrant workers in Cass County, owned Kid Town Childcare for 17 years, and tutored and babysat for numerous children in the community.

Sandy was most proud of her roles as mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She is survived by her children: John (Sarah) Sarber, Jen Bryan, Jason (Kelly) Sarber, and Justin (Heather) Sarber; 13 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Sylvia (Kreider) Lutz and many nieces and nephews whom she loved very much.

Sandy loved her time with friends and family. Whether it was playing cards, going on countless “Cousins Trips” with her sisters and special cousins Marla Jo Baughman, Vicki Hammer, and Joan Hussung, attending Home Ec. Club with her friends, and her Great Alaskan Adventure with her dear friends MaryBeth Burrous and Donna Hill, Sandy enjoyed every minute of those times together.

Sandy was strong in her faith and dedicated many years to teaching Sunday School at the Kokomo Church of the Brethren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Sara Jane, and her favorite son-in-law Greg Bryan.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Melanie Bozard, the nurses at Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo, and the staff of Waterford Place Health Campus for their compassionate care of Sandy, especially in these last months of her life.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are encouraged to the Galveston Volunteer Fire Department or the volunteer fire department in your community, or the Galveston Flag Fund through the First Farmers Bank and Trust in Galveston.