Teresa “Lynn” White

Teresa “Lynn” White, 64, Russiaville, passed away at her home on Thursday, October 10, 2024. She was born September 1, 1960, in Franklin, IN, the daughter of the late Hobert “Gene” and Janet (Trammell) McGaha. On October 3, 2001, she married Terry White at First Baptist in Russiaville, who preceded her in death on October 4, 2004.

Lynn was a 1978 graduate of Western High School and attended the Herron School of Arts. She worked for Kroger as a clerk. Lynn enjoyed caning chairs, crocheting, and drawing pictures in pencil, especially pictures of pets.

Lynn is survived by her sisters, Terra McGaha, and Tina Jeffers; aunts and uncles, Wilma (Jerry) Kean, and Venning (Phyllis) Trammell; along with her niece, great nephew, great niece, and many cousins.

In addition to her husband Terry, Lynn was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Allison “Lea” McGaha; and brother-in-law, John Jeffers III.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, October 18, 2024, at Stout & Son Funeral Home, 200 E. Main St. Russiaville, with Pastor Billy Martin officiating. Burial will follow in Russiaville Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. until the start of the service on Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Stout & Son Funeral Home to help the family with final expenses. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.

Thomas Earl McBride

Thomas Earl McBride, age 79, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Friday, October 11, 2024. He was born on July 6, 1945, in Auburn, Indiana, to the late Joseph Earl and Marjorie Eleanor McBride.

Thomas graduated from Logansport High School in 1963. He enlisted in the United States Navy following high school, where he served his country for four years. After serving in the military, Thomas went on to work in security for Delco Electronics until his retirement. He belonged to the Delco Retirees Club and also enjoyed morning and evenings with other retired buddies. Thomas enjoyed watching sports and was an avid fan of the Cubs and the Bears. He also enjoyed working outside and was an avid coin collector.

He is survived by his children, Chad (Dana) McBride and Michelle McBride; grandchildren, Carissa McBride and Colton McBride; and brother, Robert (Marcheta) McBride.

Preceded in death are his parents, Joseph Earl McBride and Marjorie E. (Stu) Weatherly.

There will be a time of visitation for Thomas on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 11:00 AM until the time of services at 1:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary Main Chapel, 725 South Main Street, Kokomo. Full military rites will be performed by the United States Navy and Greentown American Legion. Pastor Bob Gray will be officiating.

Bill Ashton

Bill Ashton, 80 of Tipton, passed away at 12:19 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at Riverwalk Village in Noblesville. He was born in Evansville on April 1, 1944, to Aldon "Shorty" & Ruth (Corum) Ashton. He married Gretchen Liechty on May 23, 1970, and she survives. He had previously lived in Evansville, Greenwood, Bargersville, and Cicero in Indiana and Shreveport, Louisiana.

Bill worked as an electrical engineer at Western Electric, AT&T, the Naval Air Warfare Center, and Grissom Air Force Base, retiring in 2007. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

Bill had a deep love for his family and the Lord. After graduating from the University of Evansville he met the love of his life Gretchen, and they were married 54 years. His interest varied from the latest computers to a good James Bond movie or taking his daughters to a drag race. He believed in giving back; after he retired, he became president of the local Habitat for Humanity until his illness became too much of a burden.

Survivors besides his wife Gretchen include four daughters: Heidi Bryant and husband Mark, Atlanta; Heather Efroymson and husband Alex, Fort Myers, Florida; Jill Brock and husband Kevin, Elwood; and Amanda Simo and husband Lorenzo of Carmel. Bill is also survived by one sister, Linda Young and husband Larry of Hobart; two brothers-in-law, Pete Liechty and wife Gail and Dan Liechty, all of Hobart; one sister-in-law, Sarah Liechty of England. Bill also has six grandchildren, Ava Bryant, Aiden Bryant, Bonnie Brock, Elam Brock, Evelyn Simo, and Xavier Simo.

Bill's visitation will be held on Saturday, October 19, from 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m. at Young-Nichols Funeral Home. His funeral service will also be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Tipton with military honors provided by the U.S. Army and the Tipton American Legion.

Memorial contributions in Bill's honor may be made to Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 158, Kokomo, Indiana, 46903 or the Disabled American Veterans at https://www.ihelpveterans.org.

Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to help the Ashton family in their time of need. Condolences may be left on Bill's obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.

Katherine (Kathy) Tyree

Katherine (Kathy) Tyree, born on April 11, 1946, peacefully passed away in her sleep on Oct.15, 2024, in Kokomo, Indiana. She was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother.

Kathy was the devoted mother of Nicole Holzinger (Jay) and cherished grandmother to Jone’a Cunico (Joshua), Jared Tengesdahl (Tiphani), Jalen Tengesdahl (Savannah), and Jayla Holzinger. She also delighted in the company of her great-grandchildren, Joshua, Rowan, Cauis, and Haven Cunico. A loving sister to Charolett Jefferson (Gerald), Kathy will be remembered fondly by many nieces, nephews, including special niece Danielle Hizer, and numerous friends and relatives.

She was predeceased by her husband, John Tyree III, as well as her parents, Ira J. Hizer and Mary Louise Hizer. Kathy was also preceded in death by her siblings: Patricia Cressie, Elizabeth Hizer, Carolyn Seldon, Janice McDonald, Jackie Douglass, Cynthia Hall, Deborah Vanardo, and Brenda Sue Hizer, and her brother, Ira J. Hizer Jr.

Kathy’s dedication to her craft was evident early in her life. She attended cosmetology school in the 1960s in Gary, Indiana, and spent over 45 years in the beauty industry, where she became a mentor, teacher, and owner of her own salon. Her career led her to serve as a salon manager on military bases, including Alconbury R.A.F.B in England and Rhein-Main Air Base in Germany. Throughout her time in Kokomo, Kathy had the joy of working alongside her late sister, Brenda, fostering deep-rooted connections with her clients, who often became like family.

Known for her vibrant personality, quick wit, and immense heart, Kathy had an unwavering faith and often shared her love for God and her family. She provided comfort and support through her words of wisdom, prayers, and affectionate counsel. Kathy's impact on those around her was profound, leaving a void that will be felt deeply by many.

Kathy’s hobbies included bowling, where she earned numerous trophies, including a remarkable 299 game. She was an avid bingo player, a passionate reader, and enjoyed crocheting. As an accomplished seamstress, she handmade wedding dresses and cotillion gowns for debutantes. Her creative spirit shined through her jewelry making, where she crafted unique pieces filled with heart and craftsmanship.

Kathy Tyree will be greatly missed, but her legacy of love, creativity, and friendship will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

A funeral service will be held for Kathy from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Second Missionary Baptist Church, 818 N. Apperson Way. Visitation for friends and family will take place from 10 a.m. until time of the funeral.

Juanita Mae Hecht

Juanita Mae Hecht, age 94, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at her residence, surrounded by her family. She was born on April 20, 1930, in Brownstown, IL, to the late Pearl and Faye (Bagley) Diveley. Juanita married Willis Hecht on August 17, 1947, in Kokomo, and he preceded her in death on May 22, 2024.

Juanita worked for Delco Electronics and retired after 54 years. She was a member of UAW Local 292. Juanita enjoyed word search puzzles, camping, girls’ trips to casinos, her dog (Ivy), and cooking Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for her family. She enjoyed the simple things in life, such as sitting on her front porch, flowers, and visits from family and friends. Juanita was known for being kind to everyone and always having a smile on her face.

Surviving relatives include her son Bill Hecht (Judy), daughter Belinda Hecht, both of Kokomo, IN; grandchildren, Brian Hecht (Carol); Dawn Haynes (Joe); Terry Chapel (Sharon); Amy Chapel; great-grandchildren, Brittany King; Heather White; Caitlin Haynes; Hannah Chapel; Joey (Delaney) Haynes; Olivia Gates; Jacob Haynes; Brandon Gates; Brailey Hecht; Sanna Carden; great-great-grandchildren, Jocelyn; Preston; Carter, Asher White and Eleanor Meehan; Mia and Millie Harris, and a special friend, Louise Gammans.

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, Dorthia June Diveley and Leta (Marie) Diveley; brother, Harold Eugene Diveley; and grandson, Brad Hecht, whom she loved dearly.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Compassus Hospice Nurse Meagan Brubaker and private caregivers, Taylor Nice, Shyanna Nice, Brooklyn McBay, and Leia Neal.

There will be a time of visitation for Juanita on Monday, October 21, 2024, from 11:00 AM until the time of service at 1:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary Webster Chapel, 3400 South Webster Street, Kokomo. Pastor Charlie Kirby will be officiating. Burial will follow to Kokomo Memorial Park.

Lana Sue “Suzie” Oldfather

Lana Sue “Suzie” Oldfather, 78, Kokomo, passed away at 5:03 p.m. Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 26, 1946, the daughter of the late Lamoine & Pauline (Chittum) Gahs. On July 5, 1964, at the Peoria Church in Peru, IN, she married T. Steven Oldfather, and he survives. Suzie and Steve had just celebrated 60 years together in July.

Suzie was in the first graduating class of Maconaquah High School in 1964. She retired from General Motors/Delphi Delco in 2004 after 30 years of service. She was a member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Joy – Just Older Youth Fellowship and Rock Steady Boxing at the Kokomo YMCA. Suzie enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, and making bracelets for friends and family. She looked forward to spending winters with Steve in Largo, Florida, where they made many friends. She also enjoyed spending time and catching up with her family at the Gahs reunions.

Along with her husband Steve, Suzie is also survived by her sons, Brian (Alisha) Oldfather and Jason (Amanda) Oldfather; brother, Denny Gahs; grandchildren, Hayden Hubbs, Addy Hubbs, RJ (Morgan) Smeltzer and Riley (Alix) Smeltzer; great-grandchildren, Lane Smeltzer, Waylon Smeltzer, Tinley Smeltzer and Adeline Smeltzer; sisters-in-law, Patricia Gahs, Louise Gahs, and Marcia Cain; brother-in-law, Terry Tygart, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Suzie was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Larry Gahs; and sister-in-law, Deana Tygart.

The family would like to give a very special thank you to Guardian Angel Hospice and Home Instead, along with caregivers, Stacy Custer and Presta Graber.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 25, 2024, at Hasler & Stout Funeral Home, 112 E. Main Street, Greentown with Pastor Jacob Burgei officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Suzie’s memory to Rock Steady Boxing (at Kokomo YMCA) and Guardian Angel Hospice. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout.com.

Jerry Preston

Jerry Preston, age 81, of Westfield, Indiana, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, October 4, 2024, after a courageous four-year battle with leukemia. He was born July 7, 1943, in Kokomo, Indiana, to Fred and Anna Mae (Hale) Preston. He graduated from Kokomo High School in 1963. He retired from General Motors after 35 years of service. On May 9, 1980, he married his best friend, his greatest supporter, and the love of his life, Cheryl Suzy Stapleton.

After retirement, they fulfilled their dream by traveling by boat to Scottsboro, Alabama, on the Tennessee River. They lived on their houseboat for eight years. They made many lifelong friends from their time on the river. In 2009, they came back to Indiana to care for Suzy's mother, Jackie, and to spend time with their grandchildren.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Suzy Preston, of Westfield; sons, Eric (Gina) Preston, of Kokomo and Anthony Preston of Florida; daughter, Stephanie (Jim) Lewis, of Westfield; five grandchildren, Ian (Sam) Easton, Michaela (Leland) Booher of Indianapolis, Ethan Preston of Indianapolis, A.J. Preston of Ohio, James Lewis of Muncie and Abigail Lewis of West Lafayette; and nieces and nephews, Karen (Robert) Kraft of Florida, Mike Seagrave of Westfield, Kimberly Preston of Florida, John (Beth) Preston of Georgia, Tammy Hasler of Indianapolis, and James Gould (Bridget) of Kokomo.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Anna Mae Preston; his father, Fred Preston Sr.; sister, Beverly Seagrave; brother, Fred Preston; sister, Betty Gould; daughter, Jennifer Downs; and mother-in-law, Jackie Stapleton.

The family would like to thank Dr. Bhatia and his wonderful staff at MD Anderson Cancer Center for all they have done over the past four years.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for memorial contributions to be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

There will be a memorial gathering for Jerry on Friday, October 25, 2024, from 2 p.m.-4 p.m., with a funeral service at 4 p.m., at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 W. Alto Rd., Kokomo.

Rebecca “Becky” Radabaugh

Rebecca “Becky” Radabaugh, 72, of Carmel, passed away on October 9, 2024, with the sun shining on her face, a gentle breeze whispering, and the birds singing. She was born on March 5, 1952, in Kokomo, the daughter of the late Joe M. and Joan (Hufty) Tarkington. Becky married the love of her life, Jeff Radabaugh, on December 19, 1970, and he preceded her in death on March 16, 2020. Through thick and thin, they have been a matched set and an example for all of what true love is. We are content to know that they are side-by-side and hand-in-hand once again.

Becky was the anchor of our family and the unfailing link that tethers us to our memories and our past, while allowing us to cast off on our own journeys with the full knowledge that we will be welcomed warmly when we return. She has held many titles such as: “Miss Becky” from the kids she served as an Occupational Therapist at Riley Hospital for Children and in the Westfield Washington Schools; “Radabaugh” from her many colleagues and friends; but her most cherished titles were “Mom” and “G’s” to her children and grandchildren.

Although the world lost some of its brightness and light this week, the memories, laughter, smiles, faith, and kindness that Becky shared with all of us will remain. Her beautiful smile, her joy for life, her love of laughter, and her unwavering commitment to sharing kindness with everyone she met, have touched more lives than we can ever count.

Along with these gifts, Becky is survived by her children, Katie Radabaugh and J.B. (Shannon) Radabaugh; brother, Bill (Susie) Tarkington; grandchildren Charlotte, Jacob, Lucy, and Elizabeth; and many nieces, nephew, and cousins.

Becky was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Jeff Radabaugh; parents, Joe and Joan Tarkington; and sister, Joyce Gates.

A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Randall & Roberts Funeral Home, 1685 Westfield Road Noblesville, IN, with Pastor Jason Grant officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, at Randall & Roberts Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Riley Children’s Foundation, in honor and memory of Becky. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.