Patsy Ruth Lucas

Patsy Ruth Lucas, 79, Kokomo, passed away Saturday, February 8, 2025, surrounded by her family. Patsy was born February 1, 1946, in Kokomo, Indiana, to the late Paul E. Gordon, Jr. and Lois M. Gordon. On November 23, 1962, she married James E. Lucas Sr., who preceded her in death on March 3, 2014.

Patsy attended Kokomo High School. She worked at several factories in Kokomo and was most recently working at the Kokomo Senior Center. Patsy enjoyed playing games, planting flowers, and cooking, but she loved nothing more than her family. As one of 10 children, family was everything to her. She had a servant’s heart, and her home was always open for a cup of coffee and an ear to anyone who needed it. She was called Mamaw by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the pride of her life, and she cherished time spent with them.

Patsy is survived by: two sons, James E. Lucas Jr. (Amy), Ken Lucas (Kandi) and daughter-in-law, Tawnya Harrison; brother-in-law Tom Lucas; six grandchildren Makayla Lucas, Andrew Lucas (Christen), Kaitlyn Lucas (Brandt), Tyler Lucas (Karly), Brittany Lucas (Grant), and Emily Lucas (Logan); and eight great-grandchildren Addyson, Parker, Kali, Layna, Isla, Amelia, Maia, and Betty -- all of Kokomo. Also surviving are her brothers and sisters, John Gordon, Mabel Busch, Tom Gordon (Peggy), Rusty Gordon (Pam), Bridget Bass, and Henry Bridges III. Patsy was preceded in death by her husband, son Timothy A. Lucas, three brothers Mike Gordon, Pete Gordon, and Brian Bridges, and her parents.

A visitation for Patsy will be held Wednesday, February 12, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary & Crematory Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM. Patsy will be laid to rest in Albright Cemetery, 3910 Albright Rd, Kokomo, Indiana 46902.

Lillian Janice (Reynolds) Gaiser

Lillian Janice (Reynolds) Gaiser, 93, of Tipton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. Lillian “Lil” was born in Parma, Missouri, on January 4, 1932, to her parents, Bradley Reynolds and Theda Grubbs Reynolds. Lil married Joseph Gaiser on June 20, 1969. After many wonderful years together, Joe passed away on August 26, 2016.

Lillian attended school in Parma, Missouri, where she was brought up. She was incredibly bright and did well, however her school years were cut a little short because she made the decision to work and help her family. Lil was the oldest of eight children, and she always took her role very seriously. She was one of those people that others could whole-heartedly depend on! The decision of sacrifice and loyalty that Lil made at such an early age truly depict the person she was throughout her 93 years!

Lillian and her husband attended Albright Methodist Church in Atlanta, IN, and then in their later years attended Trinity Methodist Church in Arcadia, IN. Her faith was important to her. Lil was also a member of the American Legion 496 in Tipton and a lifetime member of the VFW in Kokomo. Through the years, Lil worked for DA Murray’s, Pioneer Seed Corn, Little Gem Restaurant, and the Jim Dandy offices. She also cleaned houses and provided childcare for many families. Lil’s favorite job was, of course, caring for children. It was her passion, and she was able to impact many children for the better. She was very proud of the fact that she was caregiver to over 75 children over her lifetime. Many of those children became like family to her and made a special point to stay in contact with her long after her duties of caregiver were complete.

Lillian had a fiery personality. She was no-nonsense, known for saying what she meant and meaning what she said! She fought for what she believed in and encouraged others to do the same. Lil was energetic, motivated, and tried to keep herself busy and productive. Her family was always her top priority, and being a Grandma brought a tremendous amount of joy to her life! Her grandchildren will never forget her amazing cooking, or her beautiful garden. No one could make flowers grow as pretty as Grandma. When Lil wasn’t busy you may have found her watching the Colts or IU on television. She also enjoyed going shopping and eating out. Lillian will be so greatly missed by all who had the privilege of crossing paths with her!

Those left to carry on Lil’s legacy of love are: her children Rick Harpe (Roxanne) of Windfall, IN, Guylia Lacy (Jerry), of Atlanta, IN, and Debra Harpe (Clay Morgan), of Tipton, IN; son-in-law David Prater Sr.; stepsons Mark Gaiser (Sandra), Mike Gaiser (Teresa), and Steve Gaiser (Susie); grandchildren David W. Prater (Kim Brannan), Bradley Prater (Kelly), Dedra Forster (Ryan), Anthony Wray (Jammie), Kasey Harpe (Katie), and Kelly Alberts (Aaron); great-grandchildren Tyler Prater, Jacob Wray, Benjamin Forster, William, Caleb & Juliet Alberts, and Colin & Callahan Harpe; brother Paul Reynolds of Tipton, IN; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Lil was welcomed into Heaven by her husband Joseph Gaiser, daughter Kathy Prater, stepson Tim Gaiser, and six siblings.

A service celebrating Lil’s life will be held on Friday, February 14, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home, located at 314 N. Main St. in Tipton, with Pastor Melissa Grishaw officiating. Visitation for family and friends will take place prior to the service from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be held immediately following the service at Tipton’s Fairview Cemetery.

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

Gretta J. Smith

Gretta J. Smith, 95, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 10, 2025, at 1:05 a.m. at Ascension St Vincent Hospital, Kokomo. Born November 30, 1929, in Howard County, she was the youngest daughter of Frank Ernest and Bertha May (Weaver) Rioth. On June 24, 1950, in Kokomo, Indiana, she married Donald Calvin Smith. He preceded her in death on December 29, 2013. They had lived in Galveston, Indiana, since 1956.

Gretta graduated from Howard Township High School in 1947. She started working at Indiana Bell Telephone Company in 1947 and retired in 1979. Following her retirement, she and her late husband had an antique business for over 20 years. She was an active member of United in Faith Church of Galveston and a former long-time member of Faith United Methodist Church, Kokomo, and a member of Telephone Pioneers. Gretta enjoyed reading, gardening, and watching NASCAR. For many years she was known as the popcorn ball lady in Galveston, because she gave her homemade popcorn balls at Halloween for many years. She loved being with family and friends.

She is survived by: daughter Debra L. (Edward) Beheler of Kokomo; son Steven R. (Lauri) Smith of Tipton; grandchildren Edward (Julie) Beheler, April Weaver, Brandon (Cambria) Smith, Amber (Sean) Kelly, Clinton (Katherine) Smith, and Andrew Smith; great-grandchildren Anna (Adam Chesak), Lance and Trip Beheler, Lorraine and Owen Weaver, June and Aila Smith, and their expected brother, Violet and Ezra Kelly, and Sawyer and Magnolia Smith.

She was preceded in death by: her husband Donald C. Smith and son Jeffery D. Smith; and five sisters and four brothers-in-law Mildred (Ted) Ellerbrook, Maxine Rioth, Kathleen (Burl) Farris, Alma (Gerold) Ulerick, and Martha (Robert) Becker.

A celebration of life will be held at United in Faith Church on Saturday, February 15, 2025, with Pastor Bruce Coats. Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. until service time at 1:00 p.m. at the church. Burial will follow at Galveston Cemetery. Arrangements by Murray Weaver Funeral Home, Galveston.

Memorial gifts may be given to United in Faith Church.

The family would like to thank the staff at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital for their care of our mother and grandmother, especially those in ICU and the fourth-floor staff with special recognition to nurses Paula and Lawrence and Dr Jack Shamoun and Dr. Alex Facista. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com​

Vivian A. Weiser

Vivian A. Weiser, 90, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away February 8, 2025. She was born June 29, 1934, to the late Thomas and Mary Harvey. She was in the first graduating class of Eastern High School in Greentown.

She married Ivan Durham in 1954, and they were married until his passing in 1989. She remarried in 1993 to Charles Weiser, and he preceded her in 2003. She worked at Delco Radio (GM) for over 30 years. She was a devout Christian and attended First Church of the Nazarene for many years. She had several small dogs that she loved and spoiled. Vivian spent winters in Plant City, Florida, with Charlie and enjoyed time with many friends there. They enjoyed lake life at their cottage at Beaver Dam Lake during summer months. Her hobbies included reading, walking, and family. As a widow she ate supper out with friends every evening. She was a very generous person, and her tips reflected her generosity. The Legacy at Waterford was her home for the last eight years. She had caregivers that loved her and became her family. We will miss them and are eternally grateful for them.

Vivian is survived by: her children Vicki Holeman (Jeff), Kenny Durham, and David Durham (Betsy); sisters Mary Ellen Vautaw and Wanda Taylor (Kenny); grandchildren Jessica Sinning (George), Zac Durham (Donna), Joe Durham (Alisha), Rachel Durham, Abi Filip (Eric), Amanda Sommers (Joshua), Carisa Durham, Megan Flowers (Brian), Jacob Lovelace (Nicole), Sarah Johnson, Amanda Longoria (Fernando), Lindsey Dishon (Dillon), Sara Rittenhouse (Michael), Nathan Durham (Tina), and Jesse Durham; great-grandchildren Issac Durham, Anna Durham, Adin Durham, Kalab Durham, Elijah Durham, Grace Durham, Ray Beets, Alana Mellady (Trace), Kora Cook, Clayton Kelly (Selma Adie), Sophie Kelly, Riley Rittenhouse, Isabella Rittenhouse, Noah Rittenhouse, Grace Flowers, Ava Flowers, Isabelle Longoria, Noah Longoria, Nolan Lovelace, Hunter Lovelace, Maddie Lovelace, Hank Johnson, Dalton Durham, Beau Durham, Emberly Durham, Ivory Durham, and Kayden Durham; and great-great-grandchild Daxton Mellady.

In addition to her parents and husbands, Vivian is preceded in death by her sons Ronald Durham and Scott Durham, sister Jerri Plummer, brothers Keith Harvey, Paul Harvey, and Thomas Harvey, brother-in-laws Bill Vautaw and Dick Plummer, sister-in-law Kathy Harvey, and great-grandchild Wyatt Cook.

A visitation for Vivian will be held Saturday, February 15, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary & Crematory Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902. Following the visitation will be a funeral service at 1:00 PM. Vivian will be laid to rest at Kokomo Memorial Park.

William D. Hammer

On February 8, 2024, William D. Hammer, 93, rejoined his angel, Marilyn. Bill passed away at home surrounded by family. He was born on October 23, 1931, to Clifford and Nilah Hammer.

Bill was always a hard worker who provided for his family. Throughout his career, he worked at Cuneo Press, Continental Steel, and Coca Cola. Bill served in the army during the Korean War and received an Honorable Discharge.

Bill’s greatest attribute was his love and devotion to family. Over the years he cared for multiple family members during their later years and was especially committed to caring for his wife, Marilyn, who experienced severe health challenges before her passing in 2011. Bill was very devoted to his daughter, Suzie, and was always helping with whatever she or his grandchildren needed. Bill loved family vacations in Minnesota and sharing activities with his grandchildren, David, Matthew, and Spencer.

Bill did not want praise or any recognition for his charitable contributions. For the past two years as his health started to fade, Bill sat in his chair or on the patio shelling peanuts which were auctioned during We Care. This past year Bill shelled 70 pounds of peanuts, and his daughter Suzie decorated the five-pound containers. His efforts were rewarded with hundreds of dollars being raised for We Care. The We Care staff nicknamed him Papa Squirrel. Bill was also very humble, so this is the first time the following has ever been publicly shared. For many years Bill would save all his change and each year he would drop it off anonymously at We Care Park. The donations were only identified as being donated by the Lone Ranger. Bill was the Lone Ranger, so now that We Care mystery has been solved.

Bill is survived by his daughter Suzan and her husband Joe Wesche, as well as his grandchildren David (Andrea) Wesche, Matthew (Sarah) Wesche, and Spencer (Devin) Wesche.

He was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn, his parents, and three siblings.

Joe and Suzie would like to extend a special thank you to his hospice nurse Shirley, his CNA Molly, from Paradigm, and his home health aide Gwen, from Altra Homecare Group.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Shirley & Stout Funeral Home. A graveside service with military honors will be held Monday, February 17, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Sunset Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to We Care in his memory. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Corey “CR” Roger Gray

Corey “CR” Roger Gray, 12 years old, of Kokomo, passed away 12:10 a.m. Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Riley Hospital for Children after a brief illness. He was born in Kokomo, IN, on March 28, 2012, the son of Corey and Amanda (LaShure) Gray.

Corey was currently homeschooled and enrolled through the Indiana Digital Learning program. He was a member of the cooking club and gaming club. He was the most kind, happy boy with a heart of gold. He would help anybody in need. This desire to help people in need extended beyond Corey's life as he was an organ and tissue donor. His favorite hobbies were going fishing with his parents and playing PlayStation, especially Fortnite. He loved his aunts, uncles, and cousins so much and enjoyed talking with them. He loved watching sports, and the Green Bay Packers were his favorite football team.

Corey is survived by: his parents Corey and Amanda Gray; grandmother Roberta Walls; aunts and uncles Ashley and Chris Cooper, Danny and Emily Walls, Melissa George, Michael (Cailee Morgan) Yockey, and Cody and Julie McCarter and their children; cousins Ashlynn Cooper, Alisa Cooper, Izzy Cooper, Alex Walls, Casper Walls, Sophia Wimmer, and Jakob Wimmer.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Heaven Nicole Gray, and grandparents Roger Walls, Shawn Gray, and Lisa Gray.

An honor walk was held for Corey at Riley Hospital for Children before he passed. Corey was proud to be an organ and tissue donor. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Tim Dawsey

Tim Dawsey has gave ‘em hell for the last time on earth.

We can forever think of him camped out somewhere in Montana, shooting all the prairie dogs.

He was born in Elwood, Indiana, on February 28, 1955, the only child of Joseph and Lois Dawsey. He graduated from Western High School, class of 1973. He carried on his father’s trade of being a carpenter and worked alongside him at Mayfield Construction for many years. He continued on to different employers including CHDD, hanging ceiling tiles for Bill McManama, and finally owning his own construction company, Dawsey Construction.

He leaves behind daughters Jenni (Toby) Ronk, Amanda Heath, April (Rob) Landes, and Britiney Lees. Tim was a staple at the Bunker Hill Speedway, racing his red 1970 Nova SS with the “Balls Out” license plate. He loved anything outdoors: tractors, four-wheelers, RC cars, camping, canoeing, fishing, and hunting. He took pride in the ugliest wild boar head mount hanging in his home until a fire destroyed it. He loved all things guns. He built many ARs and reloaded more ammunition than we can imagine.

After his health declined, he had to give up most of his hobbies and moved on to watching cowboy shows, the History Channel and harassing people on Facebook. He loved to share Trump memes and tick off anyone he could!

His daughter Jenni would like to thank everyone at Century Villa who took care of him because they deserve it! He gave them all a run for their money!

As he has made his last wildly inappropriate and probably offensive comment, in his memory, please do any of his favorite things and leave a memory on his Facebook page. As per his wishes, there will not be anyone giving a eulogy about how he was a beacon of light or how everyone loved him. Instead, we will have a small gathering, and the details will be posted on his Facebook page.

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

Robert Darrell Rickett

Robert Darrell Rickett, 71, passed away Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Aperion Care in Peru, Indiana. Born June 16, 1953, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the son of the late Willie Joe Rickett and Laverne (Goins) Scott.

Robert dedicated much of his life to hard work and service. He spent 15 years in the United States Army, achieving the rank of Sergeant. Following his military career, he worked in a factory, embodying a strong work ethic throughout his life. Robert was a simple man who found joy in life’s quieter moments. He enjoyed fishing, taking long walks, and watching television. These pastimes brought him peace and contentment.

He is survived by his daughters Crystal (Doug) Sharp and Holly White, five grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and his sister, Jackie Ewton, along with a niece and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents and a niece.

In keeping with Robert’s wishes, no services are planned. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation.

Beverly Jean Smith

Beverly Jean Smith, a beacon of love and laughter, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2025, in Kokomo, IN, at the age of 93. Born on October 10, 1931, in Danville, IL, Beverly's life was a tapestry of creativity, devotion, and unwavering joy that touched the hearts of everyone she encountered.

The daughter of the late Thomas and Edna Barber, Beverly inherited a spirit of kindness and an infectious sense of humor that would define her journey through life. She was a beloved sister to Maxine Barber, with whom she shared an unbreakable bond and countless cherished memories.

Beverly's heart found its match in Roderick D. Smith, who preceded her in death on February 24, 2014. Their love story was one for the ages, and together they raised a family that became Beverly's pride and joy. She was the cherished mother of Rebecca Barrickman, Robert (Susan) Smith, David Smith, and Tim Smith. Her legacy continued to flourish through her six adored grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom inherited her zest for life and her compassionate soul.

Professionally, Beverly dedicated many years as an activity director, where her creativity and enthusiasm brought light and laughter to the residents of Lake View Nursing Home, Carmel Care, and Maple Park. Her role was not merely a job but a calling, as she enriched the lives of the elderly with her unwavering commitment and imaginative programs.

Beverly's interests were a reflection of her multifaceted nature. A devoted follower of Christ, she lived her faith through her actions, always extending a hand to those in need and offering words of encouragement. Her love for sewing was more than a hobby; it was a way she expressed her love, crafting beautiful garments and gifts for her family and friends. Beverly also found great pleasure in reading, immersing herself in stories that fed her imagination and inspired her own life's narrative.

Those who knew Beverly would describe her as funny, loving, and creative. Her humor was a gift that she generously shared, ensuring that laughter was a constant presence in the lives of those around her. Her loving nature was the glue that held her family together, and her creative spark was evident in every aspect of her life, from her work to her hobbies and her approach to everyday challenges.

Beverly Jean Smith's journey on earth may have come to an end, but the stories of her kindness, her laughter, and her indomitable spirit will continue to be told by those who loved her. She has left an indelible mark on this world, and her light will shine on through the generations that follow.

It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to Beverly, but with gratitude for the time we were blessed to share with her. Her life was a testament to the beauty that can be found in the everyday, the power of a loving heart, and the joy that can be created by one person who chooses to see the good in the world.

Beverly Jean Smith's presence will be deeply missed, yet her memory will forever be a source of comfort and inspiration. As we reflect on her remarkable life, we are reminded to cherish the moments of joy, to nurture the bonds of family, and to live with a generous and creative spirit, just as she did.

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