Joseph Ray Medlen
Joseph Ray Medlen, 83, of Kokomo, passed away 12:35 p.m. Friday, September 6, 2024, at Primrose Retirement Community in Kokomo. He was born in White County, Arkansas, on October 7, 1940, the son of the late Edgar Lee and Florence (Ferren) Medlen. He was married to Dorothy, and she preceded him in death on October 19, 2022.
Ray was a 1958 graduate of Clay Township High School in Miami County. He retired from Delco Electronics as a supervisor after 30 years of service. He proudly served our country in the United States Army and earned a Sharpshooter badge. His favorite hobbies were hunting, fishing, and traveling. Ray had a soft spot for animals, but especially for his dogs that he rescued from the humane society.
Ray is survived by his daughters, Lisa (William) Stafford, Teresa (Brad) Wertz; grandchildren, Chelsea (Ryan) Mey, Eliza (Jacob) Barkley, Ariel Simpson, Brant (Haley) Reef, Colin McBride; great-grandchildren, Alaira Reef, Cecilia Simpson, Rowan Mey; brother, Clarence (Sharon) Medlen; sister-in-law, Linda Medlen; nieces, Stacia Brandenburg, Sharon Hawkins; nephews, Jeff Medlen, Greg Medlen, Jacob Medlen; and dear friend, Steve Fischer.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Edward Lee (Marie) Medlen, Rex Paul Medlen; and wife, Dorothy.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at One Church, 2734 S. Washington St., Kokomo, IN 46902. Funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. on Wednesday at the church with Pastor Tim Gates officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memory Garden. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Contributions may be made in Ray’s memory to the Kokomo Humane Society. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Larry Allen Kuhns
Larry Allen Kuhns, 81, of Kokomo, went home to be with our Lord, surrounded by his loved ones, on September 4, 2024. Born on April 10, 1943, in Kokomo, Indiana, he was the beloved son of Lowell V. and Mable M. (Oldfather) Kuhns. On April 20, 1963, he married the love of his life, Shirley Ann Walls, with whom he shared 61 wonderful years of marriage.
A proud graduate of Kokomo High School’s class of 1961 (second to none), Larry built a long and respected career in skilled trades, working for General Motors at Delco Electronics for 37 years. Following his time there, he dedicated an additional 24 years to Kokomo Center School Corporation, providing transportation for students to sporting and special events.
Larry was a dedicated member of The ConneXion Church (formerly St. Luke's UMC), where he served faithfully as Head Usher and in various leadership roles, including the Trustee Committee. Known for his warm, joyful presence, Larry had a unique gift for making those around him feel uplifted and happy. A natural storyteller, he could captivate anyone with tales of his experiences, making people laugh and reflect. His exceptional memory and sense of direction amazed family and friends—he could recall places and routes with ease, no matter how much time had passed.
Larry’s love for adventure took him and Shirley on countless motorcycle trips and travels, both across the country and to multiple foreign destinations. Whether exploring new places or revisiting old favorites, Larry cherished the journey as much as the destination. His love for music was another source of joy, and he treasured the time spent playing guitar and singing with loved ones. A devoted supporter of the Kokomo High School Wildkats, Larry’s greatest love, above all, was for his family.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley; his children, Trisha Lynn and her husband, George Durham, and Scott Allen and his wife, Carrie Kuhns; grandchildren, George "Trey" Durham III, Madison Durham, Zachary and his wife, Kalie Kuhns, Taylor Kuhns, and Jordan Grant. Larry was also blessed with a great-grandson, Colson Kuhns, and is lovingly remembered by his sister-in-law, Kathy Kuhns, a cherished niece, and several beloved nephews.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Joe Kuhns and wife Shirley Rose, Tom Kuhns, Steve Kuhns, Barbara Allen, and Wilma Galloway and husband Ron; and a special aunt, Sedaliah “Datie.”
A celebration of Larry’s life will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at The ConneXion Church, 700 E Southway Blvd, Kokomo, IN, with Pastor Sam Padgett officiating. Friends and family are invited to gather for visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made in Larry’s honor to The ConneXion Church or Kokomo High School Athletics. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences and memories can be shared at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Katie Mae Miller
Katie Mae Miller, 88, transitioned on September 1, 2024. She was born in Sadlersville Tennessee (Robertson County) on September 9, 1935, to James Albert (Mary Love) Washington Sr.
Katie attended Pondy Wood school through the 8th grade and went on to earn her GED in Kokomo in 1977 at Wallace school. She worked at Howard Community Hospital 40 years in housekeeping.
She was a member of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church in Kokomo, IN, and she was baptized by Reverend F.S. Kemper. Katie was a fan of Elvis Presley. She also loved to solve crossword puzzles and feed the ducks.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Emmitt Lewis Miller, Sr. of Indianapolis, Parents, Grand Parents, Sisters: Gracie M. Brown of Boise, ID, Dozie L. Tyler of Kokomo, IN, Brother: John H. Washington Sr., of Nashville, TN.
Surviving family members: Daughter: Belinda Washington of Kokomo, IN, Daughter: Darlene (Gregory) Williams of Florence, SC, Son: Emmitt Lewis (Angela) Miller of Kokomo, IN, Daughter: Carolyn Denise (James) Lillard of Smyrna, TN, Brother: James Albert Washington of Kokomo, IN. 9 grandchildren: Mica Monte (Laveta) Beard, Laneisha Renee Washington, Jason Bernard (Erica) Williams, Justin Monroe (Jennifer) Williams, Ondrikas Deshawn Miller, Cody Lee (Courtney) Miller, Kalie Mae Miller, Kalisha Kay (Tristan) Warner, and Vatia Stroble, 28 great grandchildren: Darius, Mica Jr., Dorian, Zhe’Don, LaShawn, Keyon, Alaina, Chloe, Jada, Juliana, Janiece, Koriyah, Ahmea, Nyla, Paishence, O’mari, Oshaun, Kinslee, Amaiyah, Mahala, Malakhi, Aleiyah, Kashius, Kyrin, Kaliyah, Ayvee'ion, De'Andrea, and Ice'lyn, and 1 great great grandchild: Audrielle. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and lots of other relatives and friends.
She will be missed and loved by all!
A visitation for Katie will be held Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church, 1599 East Sycamore Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46901. A funeral service will occur Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 11:00 AM, 1599 East Sycamore Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46901. Reverend Lionel McNeil will be officiating. Entombment will follow to her final resting place at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery.
Mary Ann (Weeks) Samson
Mary Ann (Weeks) Samson, 78 of Kokomo, IN, passed away on September 5, 2024, at Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, IN surrounded by her husband, daughters and sons-in-law, grandchildren, brother, sisters-in-law, and beloved nephew.
Mary Ann was Born in Cincinnati, OH on July 21, 1946, to John and Hilda (Chuck) Weeks. Her childhood was spent amongst a close-knit family that included aunts, uncles and cousins. Mary Ann graduated from Seton High School in 1964.
In 1968, Mary Ann married Kenneth Samson. Ken and Mary Ann raised their daughters in Anderson Township in Cincinnati, where she participated in all of the girls’ activities.
Ken and Mary Ann moved their family to Kokomo, Indiana, in 1988 where she formed deep friendships to extend their family and soon, Kokomo became home.
Mary Ann enjoyed college basketball and Cincinnati Reds baseball, vacations with her brother or cousin. She maintained a close relationship with her circle of high school friends. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.
Mary Ann is survived by Kenneth Samson, her husband of 56 years, her daughters Kelly Samson (Timothy Ezra) and Rebecca (Matthew) Satterfield, her grandchildren Jacob and Megan Satterfield, her brother John (Rose) Weeks, Sister-in-law Glenda (Kenneth)Hawkins, and nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, John and Hilda Weeks, her granddaughter Gabrielle Satterfield and her cherished cousin and friend Barb and Mike Martin.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 3155 County Rd S 200 W, Kokomo, IN, with Fr. Sean Aaron the celebrant. Burial will be held in Albright Cemetery at a later date. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday, at the church. Contributions may be made in Mary Ann’s memory to accessABILITY, https://secure.givelively.org/donate/accessability-center-for-independent-living-inc/donate-to-accessability. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangement. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Sharon Sue Overholser
Sharon Sue Overholser, born on November 7, 1936, in Kokomo, Indiana, grabbed her wings in the same beloved city on September 6, 2024. Survivors include her daughter Melanie Phillips; grandchildren Elizabeth and Tom Phillps. Sharon worked for Delco until her retirement.
Sharon's passions were as multifaceted as her personality. In her youth, she was an explorer at heart, roaming the woods with her siblings. As time passed, she found contentment in simpler pleasures, such as sitting around the table with her family, sharing stories over cups of steaming tea. Her love for children and animals was profound, and her home was a haven for both, never turning away those in need of care and affection.
Her wit was as quick as it was bright, her sense of humor a source of endless delight. Sharon was spirited and interesting, with a zest for life that could not be quelled, even by the occasional display of her fiery temper.
A serial Duct Tape User, Sharon was known for her practical and inventive use of duct tape, a habit that endeared her to many, including the Sure Tape company. Her frequent "donations" to the firm, in the form of purchases to mend everything from household items to her car, became a running family joke and a quirky testament to her resourcefulness.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Service by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Jerry Gene Overly
Jerry Gene Overly, age 79, of Kokomo, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 5, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 28, 1945, to his parents, Clyde Overly and Pauline (Cline) Overly.
Jerry graduated from Tipton High School in the class of 1964. Through the years he worked for the railroad, Pioneer, and held several construction jobs. In Jerry’s spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, and listening to bluegrass gospel music.
To know Jerry was to love him. He was truly a genuine soul with good intentions. To him, no person was more important than another. Status was foolish. He made time to talk with anyone who crossed his path. Jerry is responsible for making a lot of days brighter in many people’s lives. Not only was he friendly and interesting to talk with, but he was also hilarious and full of wit. After a conversation with Jerry, you couldn’t help but walk away with a smile on your face. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him!
Those left to carry on Jerry’s legacy of love are his children, Tammy (John) Lorts of Jacksonville, FL, David “Scott” (Kristi) Overly of Sharpsville, IN, Jerry Allen Overly of Kokomo, IN; grandchildren, Erica Overly (James McHenry), Jhade Pavan, Jaina (Myles) Hattabaugh, Kory (Logan) Overly, Dylan Overly; great grandchildren, Amyiah Moore, Adriana Moore, Chase Pavan, Aleah Overly, Mylo Hattabaugh, Zealand Overly; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde & Pauline Overly; sisters, Dee (Bill) Kendall, Marcia (Max) Tilley; grandson, Matthew Overly; as well as friend and mother of his children, Carol Welch.
A private graveside service celebrating Jerry’s life will be held at a later date.
Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Overly family in their time of need. Please feel free to leave an online condolence or share a special memory of Jerry with his family on his tribute wall.