Obituaries, January 10, 2025

Written on 01/10/2025


Winnie J. Shipp

On Monday, 6 January 2025, our beloved mother, Winnie J. Shipp, surrounded by her family, walked through Heaven’s gate to be with Jesus.

Winnie was born 13 September 1933, on Culpepper Mountain, to Robert C. and Dovie Eades. On 25 September 1951, she married Harold D. Shipp, in Piggott, AR. Winnie was baptized at Walton Christian Church on 15 August 1965, as was her husband, Harold D. Shipp. Winnie and Harold chose to spend their life in Walton, Indiana, to raise their children. Winnie was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother.

Winnie worked at Delco Electronics in Quality Control for several years before deciding to retire. During retirement, she spent time with grandchildren, Stacy and Natalie. Grandchildren Jason and Ashlee would occasionally spend time with her as well. However, retirement wouldn’t last long before she found something else to pursue. Winnie and Harold decided to move to Greenbriar, AR. While there, she enjoyed working with the local veterinarian while caring for her aging father. Her hearts passion was working with animals, and she so very much enjoyed learning about surgeries as well as assisting with various procedures. She acquired so many valuable skills, many times using those skills to help the animals she dearly loved. Early in life she raised and sold toy poodles, but later in life she enjoyed being around her cats. Just like her poodles, each of her cats held a special place in her heart.

After her dad’s passing, Winnie and Harold decided to move back to Walton to live for a few more years. During that time, she worked at Controls Inc. in Logansport, IN, enjoyed it very much and made many good friends. But once again, Harold and Winnie decided to move. This time it would be to West Union, IL, to be closer to son Bob, daughter-in-law Machelle, and granddaughter Jordan Kelsey. While living in West Union, she worked for a short time at TRW. Once again, Winnie chose to retire. Winnie very much enjoyed working and being busy, but now she wanted more time to spend with her grandchildren. Winnie attended the Christian Church in West Union, IL.

Shortly after Harold’s death in 2009, Winnie decided it was time to return to Walton to live with daughters Judy, Kathy, and Judy’s husband Coy. Here she would spend the remainder of her life. Winnie was very much loved by her family and friends.

In her free time, Winnie loved to crochet beautiful blankets, bedspreads, and christening dresses. Winnie was also an excellent seamstress. Many of her outfits were sewn by herself. And she was also very good at alterations as well as reimagining gently used clothing. Winnie loved gardening and always had a very pretty garden that produced lots of wonderful food. The grandkids loved her green beans, corn, and okra.

Winnie is survived by daughters, Judy (Coy), Kathy of Walton, and son Bob (Machelle) of Florida; grandchildren, Stacy, Natalie, Carrington (Duncan), Elijah, Alice Emily, Cameron, Gabriella, and Isabella of Indiana; Ashlee (Sven), Sven Jr., of Norway; Jason of Oklahoma; Jordan Kelsey (Kyle), Tucker, and Cole of Florida; Derek (Jessa), Eli, Johanna, Noah, Josiah, and Adrinna of Kansas; Zach (Madison), Aubrey, Adrian, Rickey, and Rayleigh of Indianapolis; sisters, Glennie of Walton and Sue of Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews.

Those preceding her in death are parents Robert & Dovie Eades; husband Harold; two children: Harold Shipp Jr., Brenda Gay Shipp; and three brothers: Jim Cato, Hartsell Cato, and John William Eades.

Visitation will be Sunday, 12 January 2025, from 2:00 -4:00 p.m. at the Murray-Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston, IN. Funeral services will be held on Monday, 13 January 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Funeral services will be officiated by Rabbi Jeff Adler. Committal service will be at Ever Rest Memorial Park with burial following.



Willie "Jean" Hoff

Willie "Jean" Hoff, 78, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away January 8, 2025. She was born on April 25, 1946, in Bauxite, Arkansas, the daughter of William Jones and Hazel Grant (Strope). On April 29, 1972, she married Russell Hoff, who survives.

Jean graduated from Kokomo High School in 1964. She retired from Delco Electronics in February of 1999 after 30 years of service. Jean was a member of Judson Road Christian Church, and she loved going to church and bible studies. She was an avid reader and enjoyed crocheting. Jean loved spending time with her family, friends, and her dog Teddy Bear.

Surviving relatives include her husband, Russell Hoff; daughter, Corina (Gary) Bolen; granddaughters, Quierra (Corey) Perkins; Jasmine (Chad) Davis; Kirsten Woods (Jaylen Street); three great grandsons and several nieces and nephews; brother-in-law, Lloyd Hoff; sisters-in-law, Darlene Hicks and Renee Hoff.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sons James Hoff and Allen Hoff; two sisters; and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law.

Visitation will be 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Monday, January 13, 2025, at Ellers Mortuary 725 S. Main Street, Kokomo, IN. Funeral services 1:00 PM Monday, January 13, 2025, at Ellers Mortuary. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Greentown, Indiana. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.

At the end of my life, I want it to be said. I fought a great battle and finished my course without any guilt, regret or remorse.



Vernon "Vern" Buman

Vernon "Vern" Buman, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2025, at the age of 79 in Kokomo, IN. Born on January 27, 1945, in Lafayette, IN, Vern was the son of the late Margaret Cole Buman Bolden and Clifford Buman. His life was a testament to his intelligence, loving nature, and courageous spirit.

Vern's journey through life was marked by his dedication to his family and his work. He was a skilled machinist, working diligently in the Engineering Department for many years. His career was not just a job but a passion that took him across the United States, allowing him to meet new people and explore different places. Vern's work ethic and expertise were recognized by all who had the pleasure of working alongside him.

Beyond his professional life, Vern was a man of many interests. He was an avid conversationalist who loved nothing more than spending time with his friends and family, sharing stories, and making memories. His love for adventure was shared with his beloved wife of 12 years, Marcia (Rusk) Buman. Together, they embarked on countless nature rides, reveling in the beauty of nature. Vern's strength was not just physical but also in his ability to connect with others and his unwavering support for his loved ones.

Vern's legacy is carried on by his devoted family, including his wife Marcia, his daughter Carla Thomas, his grandchildren Lyle and Allison Thomas, and Sarah and Addison Morgan. He is also survived by his siblings Etta Buman Young, Ron Lively, Lamey and Cathy Bolden Jr., George and Regina Bolden, and Sarah and Keith Bolden Grady; and all nieces and nephews. Vern was a guiding light in their lives, and his wisdom and love will continue to inspire them.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his siblings Earl Cole, Clarence Buman, Allan Buman, Linda Buman, Janet Buman Chinn, and his first wife, Linda Kuhns Buman. They have now welcomed Vern into eternal rest, where memories of their time together will be cherished forever.

Vern's life was a beautiful tapestry woven with the threads of courage, intelligence, and love. He faced life's challenges with a brave heart and always found a way to smile through adversity. His presence was a comfort, and his guidance was a beacon for those navigating the complexities of life.

As we bid farewell to Vernon Buman, we celebrate the remarkable man he was. His stories will be told, his laughter will echo in our hearts, and his spirit will live on through the lives he touched. Vern's journey on this earth may have ended, but his influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Vern's life will be honored in a private ceremony, where his family and close friends will gather to share memories and say their final goodbyes. As the sun sets on a life so beautifully lived, we take comfort in knowing that Vern's legacy will shine brightly, guiding us through the days ahead.

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