Deborah Sue Dowling
Deborah Sue Dowling, born on May 4, 1953, passed away on June 9, 2024, at the age of 71.
A funeral will be held for Deborah on Sat., June 15, 2024, at Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church, 1599 E. Sycamore St., Kokomo, at 11 a.m. Visitation for Deborah will take place from 10-11 a.m. prior to the funeral.
George E. Off
George E. Off, 91, of Tipton, passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at The Waters of Tipton. He had previously lived in Sharpsville. George was born in Tipton on October 31, 1932, to Herbert T. & Goldie Mae (Retherford) Off. He was married to Margaret Ann Smith on July 4, 1953, and she preceded him in death on May 21, 2021.
George worked at Chrysler Corporation in Kokomo for 36 years, retiring in 1995 and he was also a farmer. He was a graduate of Sharpsville High School in the Class of 1950. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Elwood and the UAW Local 685. Earlier in life he was a member of the Rural Youth where he was a square dance caller.
In younger years, while raising his family, George loved camping and fishing. He collected HO trains and was always tinkering with something to stay busy. He even found time to build a grandfather clock and a mantle clock. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
George never met a stranger and would talk to anyone; however, his life took a major change four months after he retired when he had a major stroke. He still continued to enjoy his grandkids’ and great-grandkids sporting events. George enjoyed being a people-watcher out the window at home and in the lobby at The Waters.
He is survived by his two children, Nancy Silvey and husband Rick of Tipton and Ed Off and wife Laura of Sharpsville; four grandchildren, Bryce Silvey and wife Miranda, Tipton, Andrea Wesner and husband Andy, Tipton, Natosha Woods and husband Matt, Kokomo and Jonathan Off and wife Elaine, Greentown; nine great-grandchildren, Brynn Silvey, Ella Silvey, Ethan Sizelove, Abigail Wesner, Zayne Wesner, Ian Woods, Hannah Woods, Camden Woods and Weston Off.
George is the last of four brothers. He was preceded in death by Harold Joseph “Joe” Off, James Robert “Jim” Off and Herbert L. “Herbie” Off. He is survived by two sisters-in-law, Marita Off and Cora Off.
Funeral services for George will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 17, at Young-Nichols Funeral Home with Rev. Ashley Sherard presiding. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Tipton, with military honors provided by the Tipton American Legion and the US Army. Visitation will be on Monday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service.
George’s family would like to thank the staff at The Waters of Tipton and Guardian Angel Hospice for the care he received the last three years and allowing him to be the “greeter” spending much time in the lobby waving as people came by.
Memorial donations in honor of George may be made to the Tipton County Boys and Girls Club or Phi Beta Psi sorority.
Condolences for George’s family may be made on his obituary page at www.young-nichols.com. The staff at Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to be assisting his family.
Portia M. Devore
Portia M. Devore, 92, of Westfield formerly of Galveston, passed away Friday, June 7, 2024, at Wellbrooke of Westfield. She was the daughter of William Foster and Madge R. (Oldfather) Dutchess. Portia married Alvin R. “Rut” Devore on October 9, 1954, in the Loree Brethren Church in Bunker Hill. Rut preceded her in death July 22, 2003.
Portia was a pharmacist for over 60 years in the Kokomo area, serving at Moore’s Drug Store and CVS. She was a life member of the Lambda Kappa Sigma sorority and graduated from Butler University. She was a member of the Northside Village Christian Church in Kokomo. She loved making blankets and quilts for charity and was an avid knitter and enjoyed sewing.
Surviving family include her son and daughter-in-law, David K. (Tina) Devore of Westfield and grandchildren, Amber N. Coomer-Devore Manchester and Audrey M. (Devore) Cunningham. She is also survived by great-grandchildren, Anthony and A.J. Manchester, Ezekiel Cunningham, Brittany Simpson and Justin McGuire. Surviving great-great-grandchildren are, Camron, Catelyn, and Cayden Simpson. One sister, Marcia E. Harms of Indianapolis and several nieces and nephews also survive. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Kathleen S. Devore-Soupley, and three brothers.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to LKS (Lamdba Kappa Sigma) Educational Trust, PO Box 570, Muskego, WI. 53150
At Portia’s request, no services are planned. Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston has been entrusted with arrangements. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com