Richard "Dickie" Lee Bentley Sr.

Richard "Dickie" Lee Bentley Sr., 79, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away July 13, 2024. He was born on Saturday, January 20, 1945, in Kokomo, Indiana, the son of Lester Bentley and Helen Smillie. He married Dana (Jameson) Bentley, who survives. Dickie Lee proudly served his country as a United States Marine from 1963 to 1967. He then became a postal worker for the USPS for many years before retiring in 2013. He loved NASCAR, football, YouTube, and professional wrestling. Dickie Lee was a lifetime member of VFW #1152.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 19 years, Dana; children, Richard (Michelle) Bentley Jr., Anthony Bentley, Brian (Elizabeth) Jameson, James (Ashley) Lowe, Samantha (Stevie) Cooper, Richard Lowe, Casey (Shaylan) Lowe; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings, Robert Ray Gordon, Billie and Gary Morgan, David Bentley.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Tracy Lynn Laughman; brother, Lester Bentley.

Visitation will take place at Ellers Mortuary, 725 S. Main Street, Kokomo on Thursday, July 18, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. until the start of funeral services at 6:00 p.m. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.

Clista Mae (Downhour) Smith

Clista Mae (Downhour) Smith, 98, Kokomo, went home to be with the Lord at 5:24 p.m. Friday, July 12, 2024, at Waterford Place Health Campus in Kokomo. She was born November 29, 1925, at the home of her aunt in Wells County, IN, to the late R. Linville & Ruby L. (Ayers) Downhour who resided in Clay Township of Howard County. She eloped on January 3, 1948, with Kenneth Russell Smith, whom she had known since childhood, who preceded her in death on May 9, 1997.

Clista graduated from Kokomo High School in 1944 and worked for Delco Radio during WWII, then as a telephone operator until her marriage in 1948. From 1964 to 1974, she worked at Howard Elementary School in the cafeteria. She was an active member of Hillsdale Church, east of Kokomo, until she entered Jefferson Manor Assisted Living Center in 2017. She recently moved to Waterford Health Campus. She was a caregiver for family and friends most of her life.

Clista is survived by her children, K. Larry (Sharon) Smith, Kokomo, Carol Cole, Kokomo and Janet (Clark) Winrotte, West Lafayette; six grandchildren, Aaron (Megan) Smith, Sarah (Joseph) Zahn, Chris (Lindsey) Cole, Amber (Chris Jarrett) Schaefer, Josh (Mandee) Winrotte and Summer (Chris) Vanasdalan, along with 14 great-grandchildren.

Clista was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth; siblings, George Downhour, Jerry Downhour and Ann (Downhour) Kelley; and son-in-law, Steve Cole.

Funeral service will be held at Noon, Saturday July 20, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery in Greentown. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 am until time of service Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Clista’s memory to Hillsdale Community Church, 4893 E. County Road 100 N., Kokomo, IN 46901. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.

Jerry D. Miller

Jerry D. Miller, age 86, of Tipton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, following an extended illness. He was born on February 21, 1938, to his parents, Perry Miller and Sarah (Dickey) Miller. Jerry married the love of his life, Patricia Louise (Curry) Miller, on May 29, 1956, and she preceded him in death in 2015.

Jerry graduated from Tipton High School in the class of 1956. He dedicated 45 years of faithful employment to Chrysler Corp. in Kokomo, where he worked in skilled trades. In Jerry’s free time he enjoyed traveling and gambling. He was incredibly social, outgoing, and loved having get-togethers and playing cards.

Jerry was a fun person to spend time with. He was always in a lighthearted, playful mood, and could make anyone laugh. He was an amazing husband, father and grandfather. Jerry was very devoted and protective of his family. He will be so greatly missed and never forgotten for his caring, helpful and generous heart!

Those left to carry on Jerry’s legacy of love are his children, Andrew Miller (Tammie), Anthony Miller (Marilyn), Amy Cain (Corey); grandchildren, Sara Smith (Ian), Danny Matteucci (Jennifer), Adessa Matteucci (Brandon Thomas), Nicco Matteucci, Brian Miller (Annie), Tori Salters (Zach), Rylan Cain, Carson Cain, Wesley Miller; great grandchildren, Alice & Oscar Smith, Samuel Miller, MJ Miller, Anna, Todd & Leo Salters, Nova & Skylynn Thomas; several nieces, nephews and cousins; along with a special thank you to caregiver, Melissa Huffer.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Miller; parents, Perry & Sarah Miller; and brother, Donald Miller.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Tipton’s Fairview Cemetery with Pastor Joe Brock officiating.

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

Cynthia L. Webster

Cynthia L. Webster, a beacon of love and friendship, departed from this world on July 15, 2024, at the age of 71. Born on August 19, 1952, in Huntsville, Alabama, Cynthia's life journey led her to Kokomo, Indiana, where she passed away surrounded by the warmth of her family's love.

Cynthia, the daughter of the late Lawrence and Marie Esslinger, grew up in a lively household alongside her siblings. Though she was preceded in death by her sister Ellen Shea and brother Mark Esslinger, her brothers Mike and Ed Esslinger remain to honor her memory. Cynthia's legacy continues through her adoring children, Travis (Crystal) Gibson and Sabrina Gibson (Ashley). She was a cherished grandmother to Rebekah and Jamonte Morgan, Austin Gibson, Alesa Sullivan, Landon Gibson, and Raylynn Gibson; and a doting great-grandmother to Davion Morgan, Laya Morgan, and Houston Gibson, along with several nieces and nephews.

For over three decades, Cynthia served as a dedicated waitress in Kokomo, a role through which she touched the lives of countless individuals with her warm smile and genuine care. Her presence was a comforting constant in the community, and she was well-respected by colleagues and patrons alike.

Cynthia's interests were as varied as they were heartfelt. Her voice was a source of joy to many as she loved to sing, a passion she often shared with others at the cowboy church she attended faithfully. Her spirit was as free as the open road, and she found great pleasure in the simple delight of watching movies at the drive-in theater. Cynthia's love for the fair was well-known, as she eagerly anticipated going with family and friends each year, creating memories that would be cherished for generations.

Above all, Cynthia's life was defined by the time she spent with her family and friends. Her presence was a comforting and loving force, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her. Described by those closest to her as loving, friendly, and faith-filled, Cynthia's influence extended far beyond her immediate circle. She had a unique ability to make everyone feel like family, and her legacy of kindness and compassion will live on in the hearts of those she touched.

Cynthia's departure from this world leaves behind a tapestry of memories woven with love and laughter, a testament to a life well-lived. As we bid farewell to Cynthia L. Webster, we take solace in the knowledge that her spirit will continue to guide and inspire us. Her journey on earth may have concluded, but the love she shared will resonate eternally.

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

Etta M. Mavrick (Hauser)

Etta M. Mavrick (Hauser), age 85, of Peru, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at Blair Ridge Health Campus in Peru. She was born on September 15, 1938, in Peru, Indiana, to her parents, Ralph & Della Hauser. Etta worked as a certified nurse's assistant at Miller’s Merry Manor in Peru for many years until she retired.

Those left to carry on Etta’s legacy of love are her children, grandchildren, and dear friends. Etta was welcomed into Heaven by her parents, Ralph & Della Hauser and two of her children.

No services are planned at this time. Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve Etta’s family in their time of need.