Jacqueline "Jackie" Kay Chavez

Jacqueline "Jackie" Kay Chavez, age 61, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Wellbrooke of Kokomo. She was born on December 11, 1963, in Kokomo to the late Jack and Irma (Durbin) Lemons.

Jackie graduated from Ivy Tech Community College where she earned her associate's degree. She enjoyed knitting, watching TV, and spending time with her family when she could. Jackie loved all three of her fur-babies.

She is survived by: her two sons, Michael Chavez and Anthony Chavez; three grandchildren, Layla Chavez, Jacob Chavez, and Nicole Chavez; two sisters, Teresa (Rick) Bogan and Debbie (Jack) Stifler; and her fur-babies, Archer, Derpy, and Tali.

Preceding in death are her parents and her brother, Clifford Lemons.

There will be a graveside service at Crown Point Cemetery, 1101 East Sycamore Street, Kokomo, In, on January 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM.

Alan Curtis (Choppy) Russell, Sr.

Alan Curtis (Choppy) Russell, Sr., a cherished brother, father, grandfather, and friend, was born on January 10, 1959, in Charleston, WV to Robert L. Russell II and Betty Sue Brown Russell. He departed this world on January 4, 2025. His spirit, larger than life, touched everyone who had the privilege to know him, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of his loved ones.

Curtis's early years were marked by a profound sense of duty and a commitment to service. After graduating from Kokomo High School in 1978, he joined the Navy, where he distinguished himself as a skilled mechanic on an aircraft carrier, proudly working on B-1B bomber military jets. His expertise and dedication in the military were just the beginning of a life filled with significant accomplishments. Following his military service, Curtis continued to contribute to the aerospace industry at Rockwell International in Columbus, Ohio, before working at Chrysler in Kokomo, Indiana, where he made enduring friendships and left a positive mark on those around him.

As one of the eldest brothers in a large family, Curtis played the role of protector with a heart full of love. He had a remarkable gift for storytelling that drew others in, captivating audiences with the vibrancy of his recollections. His charisma, infectious grin, and friendly spirit made him the life of the party, but he especially enjoyed being surrounded by family. He had an energy that lifted the spirits of those fortunate enough to be in his company. Curtis embraced life wholeheartedly and found joy in simple pleasures, whether it was fishing by the water, cooking up a feast, or grilling any time of year. He was known as the “pit master” throughout Kokomo.

Throughout his life, Curtis remained devoted to his faith, accepting the Lord at an early age. His spiritual foundation guided him, and he shared that love with his family and friends. He is remembered for his unwavering strength and the positivity he radiated daily.

Curtis leaves behind a tapestry of family and friends who mourn his passing yet celebrate his life. He is survived by: his stepmother Connie Russell of Indiana, and stepfather Richard Bullard Jr. of West Virginia; his brothers Michael Brown, Robert Russell III, Keith Russell, Christopher Russell, Willie Smith, Dan Wyant, Donald Wyant, and Paul Wyant; sisters Anita Harris, Savannah Johnson, and Chantel Russell Trice, who cherish the countless memories they shared with him. His children LaToyia Russell, Alan Russell Jr., Matthew Russell, Rayshawn Bryant, Tavares Russell, and LaShunda Little, and his grandchildren will carry forward his loving spirit, as do his special cousins, Robert "Corky" Williams and Carlton “Bunky” Phelps.

Though his parents, Robert Russell II and Betty Sue Bullard, and brothers Curness Mann and Leron Russell have now passed, their love continues to inspire those he leaves behind. Curtis’s legacy is defined not only by his accomplishments but by the love he so freely gave and the bonds he forged with family and friends. As we mourn his departure, we honor the essence of who he was: a loving heart, a steadfast protector, and a cherished friend. Curtis will be profoundly missed, yet his memory will forever resonate in the lives he touched.

A funeral service for Alan will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Sat., Jan. 18, at Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church, 1599 E. Sycamore St., Kokomo, Ind. Visitation for family and friends will take place from 10 a.m. until time of service.

Gwendolyn “Gwen” (Shupperd) Morris

Gwendolyn “Gwen” (Shupperd) Morris, 89, of Tipton, passed away at 5:58 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at home. She was born in Tipton on April 1, 1935, to Basil Lawrence and Icie Ellen (Miller) Shupperd. She had lived in Kokomo for 20 years as well as in South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Hawaii, with the majority of her life spent living in Tipton County. Gwen outlived three husbands, Stanley Small, Richard Spencer, and Att Morris.

Gwen had many jobs throughout her lifetime, including working at Tipton Hospital, Tipton Telephone Company, Phizer Genetics, Jim Dandy, and Howard Community Hospital. Even while working outside of the home, her priority was always family and faith!

She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Tipton and enjoyed studying the word of God. She graduated from Tipton High School in the Class of 1953. Gwen enjoyed painting, calligraphy, playing cards, and ceramics. Through all of that, she mostly enjoyed spending time with friends and family.

Gwen is survived by her five children: Stan Small and wife Jane; Jeff Small; Jim Jones and wife Christie; Jennifier (Jones) Wood and husband Randy; and Janis Stewart. She also has a brother-in-law, Fritz Burkhardt, and a sister-in-law, Sharon Ames, as well as her grandchildren Justina Bauknight, Maranda Vance, Shannon Maus, Shane Small, Tiffany Glidden, Nichole Small, Dustin Small, Amanda Inglis, Joel Stewart, and Jayson Jones. Gwen also has 22 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild on the way.

She was preceded in death by two daughters, Jill Ann Jones and Jean Ann Jones, as well as all of her siblings: Alice Reecer and husband Everett; Bob Shupperd and wife Polly; Betty Cunningham and husband Bill; Sally Yuill; Phil Shupperd and wife Wilma; Bea Johns and husband Walt; Linda Burkhardt; and Larry Shupperd; and one granddaughter, Meghan Marie Jones.

Funeral services for Gwen will be held at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, January 21, at Young-Nichols Funeral Home with Rev. Jared Williams presiding. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday.

Memorials may be given to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 941 East 86th Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46240. Online condolences for Gwen’s family may be left on her obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.

Maj. Ross Carlton Morkal

Maj. Ross Carlton Morkal, USAF Retired, 90, of Kokomo, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Northwoods Village. He was born on February 25, 1934, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Walter and Berniece E. (Holley) Morkal. On June 1, 1956, he married Sharon L. Rodger, in Wilmington, Delaware, and she survives.

Ross graduated from Denby High School in Detroit, Michigan, in 1952. He then earned his bachelor’s and master’s degree from Ball State University. Ross proudly served in the United States Air Force attaining the rank of Major. Ross received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, four Air Medals, and two Commendation Medals. After his retirement from the United States Air Force, he retired after 22 years of working in civil service at Grissom Air Force Base.

Ross was a talented woodworker who crafted many beautiful items, including flag cases and furniture, and he found his true love when he started making crosses. Ross began a ministry in making wooden crosses and sharing them in our community. Ross served as Deacon at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer where he was a member. He was on the board of directors for the Sagamore Federal Credit Union, and on the advisory board for the Deer Creek Trustee.

Along with his beloved wife of 68 years, Sharon Morkal, Ross is survived by: his children Holley Scholtes, David (Kathy) Morkal, Sally (Patty) Gardner, Alison (Bruce) Bowman, and Keith Morkal; grandchildren Alex Schultes, Annie (Alex) Young, Peregrine Morkal–Williams, Sam (Fonda) Morkal–Williams, and Clair Gardner; three great-grandchildren Noah Young, Peyton Young, and Teagan Young; a sister, Robin A. Abbott; and niece and nephews Tim Abbott, Kate Abbott, and Andy (Kristin) Abbott.

Ross is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Berniece Morkal.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 705 E. Southway Blvd., Kokomo, with Pastors John Dryer and Carl Hingst officiating. Military honors will be provided by the United States Air Force and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service on Wednesday at the church. Private burial will take place in Marion National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Ross’s name to the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Janice Sue Hartbarger

Janice Sue Hartbarger, 79, of Russiaville, passed away on January 14, 2025, at Howard Community Hospital. She was born September 28, 1945, in Kokomo, IN, the daughter of Paul and Francis (Bulk) Rossman.

Janice was a 1963 graduate of Northwestern High School. She worked in production at Delco Electronics for 30 years. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and making jewelry. Janice also liked mowing and taking care of her yard.

She is survived by: her daughter Danielle (Rick) Miller of Indianapolis; grandchildren Sarah Miller of Indianapolis, Tyler Miller of Indianapolis, and Samantha Gottschall of Elwood; and two great-grandchildren of Elwood.

Janice was preceded in death by her son Robert Gottschall and three grandsons.

Private services will be held at a later date. Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes are entrusted with services. Contributions may be made in Janice’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Frank Edward Abney Sr.

Frank Edward Abney Sr., 65, Kokomo, passed away at 6:14 p.m., Sunday January 12, 2025, at Riverview Hospital, Noblesville. He was born on June 9, 1959, to the late Paul Donald and Alma Lucile Mae (Braun) Abney. He married Mary Johnston on February 2, 1986, and she survives.

Frank loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed attending car shows, working on cars, and building things.

Along with his wife Mary, Frank is survived by: his children Frank Abney Jr., Tina Graves, Elizabeth Abney (Jason Tucker), and Holly Abney (John Hambaugh); grandchildren Taylor Smith (Brandon Ewing), Thomas Abney, Arya Abney; a step-grandchild, James Hambaugh; great-grandchildren Kaison Ewing, Kailani Ewing, and Kolton Ewing; siblings Linda Trent (Rick Ditmore), and Donald Abney; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; grandchild Timothy Abney; great grandchild Keaton Ewing; and siblings Sandra Abney, Paul Abney Jr, Betty Abney Harless, Marcia Abney Hozey, and Roger Abney.

A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes has been entrusted with cremation. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.