Gavin James Rudd
Gavin James Rudd, 19, of Kokomo, passed away on Monday, January 27, 2025, at St. Vincent Hospital – Kokomo. He was a cherished son born on August 12, 2005, in Kokomo, the son of Teresa A. (Schoeppner) Rudd and Garrett M. Rudd.
Gavin graduated from the Excel Center where he also attended Ivy Tech Community College. He worked as an E-Commerce Associate at Kroger. Gavin enjoyed being with his friends and loved basketball, football, and music. He was a beloved brother to his siblings and a proud uncle. As the eldest son of a single mother, he always strived to be the man of the house. He was a leader and a hard worker and made meaningful connections with his coworkers and was the kind of friend who was always there when you needed him. Gavin loved big! He was a member of Sycamore Reformed Presbyterian Church.
Along with his parents, Teresa Rudd and Garrett Rudd, Gavin is survived by: his siblings Jaiden (Donovan Smiley) Rudd, Elijah Rudd, Isaac Rudd, and Ella Rudd; niece Esmé Smiley; grandparents Albert Schoeppner, Joyce Murphy, and Brenda Schroeder; aunts Sharon (Ron) Collins and Barbi Schoeppner; uncles Brad (Jamie) Schroeder, Brian Schroeder, and Gabe (Jesaka) Rudd; great-grandparents Dorothy Schoeppner, and Beverly Foster; and many cousins.
A funeral service celebrating Gavin’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Shirley & Stout funeral Home and Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd. Kokomo, with Pastor Shawn Anderson and Adam Novinger officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Shirley & Stout Funeral Home to help the family with final expenses.
Joseph F. Huggler
Joseph F. Huggler, 93, of Kokomo, passed away on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo after a short illness. Born February 16, 1931, in his parents’ home in rural Sharpsville, IN, in Tipton County, he was the son of Arthur and Corena (Hoffman) Huggler. He was united in marriage to Mary Sue Small on August 10, 1958, at the Atlanta Christian Church. He graduated from Sharpsville High School in 1949. He served four years in the United States Navy during the Korean War. After his discharge, he returned to Tipton County and worked at Perfect Circle (later Dana Corporation) for 30 years. He also helped on the family farm until his retirement in 1996.
Joe loved to travel, enjoyed sports and looked forward to visiting with his family. He always enjoyed attending the annual Navy reunion of his ship the USS Chevalier. Joe was an avid sports fan and spent many hours coaching Little League baseball and watching countless volleyball and basketball games. He also enjoyed the Indy 500 and attended over 65 races.
Joe was a lifelong member of the Sharpsville United Methodist Church and served as the Sunday School superintendent for many years as well as being the MYF sponsor for several years. He also held membership in the American Legion Post at Tipton, the VFW at Kokomo, and the Masonic Lodge in Center. He spent his winters in Sebring, Florida, for the past 25 years.
He is survived by: his wife Sue; sons Randy Huggler and Lyndall Huggler and his wife, Betsy; daughter Linda Huggler; two grandchildren Kimberly and Jason Huggler; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Max Huggler and Glen Huggler.
A funeral service celebrating Joe’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at Sharpsville United Methodist Church, 228 W. Meridian Street, Sharpsville, with Pastor Heather Holman officiating. Burial will follow in Sharpsville Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Navy and the Tipton American Legion. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Stout & Son Funeral Home, 204 N. Church Street, Sharpsville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharpsville United Methodist Church in Joe’s name. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Barbara Jean Grover
Barbara Jean Grover, affectionately known as Barb to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2025, in Kokomo, Indiana. Born on September 21, 1933, in Crawfordsville, Indiana, to Opal Leota Carver and Layton Gilbert Wolfe, Barb's life was a rich tapestry of dedication, creativity, and adventure.
Barb's early years were spent in the nurturing environment of her family, where she developed a strong foundation of love and hard work. She graduated from Peru High School in 1952, setting the stage for a life filled with accomplishments and service. Barb's career spanned three decades at Delco Electronics, where she not only contributed her skills but also represented her colleagues as the UAW union steward. Her retirement in 1993 marked the end of a distinguished career, but the beginning of new ventures and explorations.
Family was the cornerstone of Barb's life. She is survived by her loving daughters, Cathy Eiler (Kent), Rhonda Vore, and Donna Lange (Randy), and her son, Tomas Reed (Kim). Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren, Sandra Tarter (Joshua), Kevin Robertson, Tricia Crowe, Sara Bretzman (Dustin), Patrick Cavazos (Danielle), Julie Cavazos, Jeffrey Lange, Christine Wilson (Jonathon), Christopher Lange, Cory Reed, Kyle Reed, Bailey McCully (Kohl), and Layton Gover, as well as her numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren, Brandon (Lauren), Corbin Dubois, Colten Robertson, Trevon, Courtlynn, and Landen Crowe, Drayden and Maddox Bretzman, Shenoa, Tyrus (Yaritza), and Bryce Brown, Jazmine Jones, Austin and Teddi Cavazos, Caleb and Preston White, Lailini, Yariel, Charley, and Carter, and Barb's sister Mary Maudlin remains to honor her memory.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents, her son Timothy Edwin Grover, her twin great-grandchildren Dylan and Cole Cavazos, her son-in-law David Vore, and five siblings, Bonnie Hoover, Irene Buser, Audrey Roettger, Marie Basham, and Becky Payne.
Beyond her professional and family life, Barb was a woman of many interests and talents. She was an active member of the UAW bowling league and participated in Euchre clubs for many years. Her entrepreneurial spirit shone through as she owned a ceramic shop and taught ceramic classes. Barb's artistic flair was also evident in her involvement in quilting and sewing clubs, where she shared her skills as a teacher. Her leadership and organizational abilities were showcased as she served as the chairwoman of the Ladies Tea for 12 years in Florida.
Barb's membership in the Moose and VFW auxiliaries reflected her commitment to community and service. As the family and RV organizer, she orchestrated trips and reunions that created lasting memories for her loved ones. Her adventurous spirit led her to travel to all 48 continental states, camping and enjoying the beauty of the lakes. Barb's love for the outdoors and exploration was matched only by her willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She was known for her hardworking nature and her ability to tackle any challenge with courage and creativity.
Those who knew Barb will remember her as an adventurous soul, a creative mind, and a courageous heart. She lived her life with a sense of purpose and joy, touching the lives of many with her generosity and spirit. Barb's absence will be deeply felt, but her memory will continue to inspire and guide those who were fortunate enough to know her.
Barb's life was a journey of love, laughter, and service. As we say goodbye to this remarkable woman, we celebrate the indelible mark she has left on our hearts and the world. Her story is one of a life well-lived, and she will be dearly missed by all who were graced by her presence.
Services are pending at this time at One Church. Please check back soon! City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com