Obituaries, September 23, 2025

Written on 09/23/2025


Marjorie Jo Herr Swing, William “Bill” Crousore, Jessica (Cochran) Muller, Samuel Leon Orem, Robin Ann Floriana, Magnolia Jane Overley, Richard J. McLay

Marjorie Jo Herr Swing

Marjorie Jo Herr Swing, 96, Kokomo, passed away September 16 at Brickyard Healthcare where she had been a resident for six years. She was born June 22, 1929, in Kokomo to Jacob Marion Herr and Thula (Simmons) Herr.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Dorothy Ridenour, and her twin sister Virginia Carter, with whom she was very close. Their Mother Thula had died when the twins were just 12 years old.

She is survived by one son Rex Swing (Diane) in Westfield, and two daughters in Kokomo Joyce Aaron (Greg) and Susan Swing (Mark Zimpleman); seven grandchildren Justin Swing (Indianapolis), Jacob Swing (Bloomington), and in Kokomo Elizabeth Callane (Jon), Stephanie McClelland (Scott), Johanna Moos (Justin), Drew Cook (Laney Thurston), and Meghan Cook (Colin MacLaren). She had 11 great-grandchildren who knew her as “GG”: Jon Jr., Ellen, Claire, and Anna Callane, Samantha, Mitchell, and Alex McClelland; Austin, Aiden, and Asher Moos, and Emily Cook.

Marge loved people and laughing and joking with them. Though she out-lived most of her friends, she came to love and be loved by many of the staff at Brickyard Health. She humorously encouraged the staff to call her “Marge in Charge.” She had been a bowler and euchre card player in her earlier years. She was a life-long Kokomo Wildkat fan. Marge believed, and lived, the idea that people should treat others like they themselves wanted to be treated. If there was ever a disagreement with someone, she would always be the first to forgive and reach out. She frequently reminded her visitors to be safe and “whatever you do, have fun.”

Marge was a 1947 graduate of Kokomo High School. She retired from Delco after 25 years of service on the production line and as an office clerk. She had previously worked at Kolux and Stellite.

For the love and support she received, her family sends a special thank you to Dr. Bradley Vossberg and the staff at Brickyard Health.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, September 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Sunset Memory Garden, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902.



William “Bill” Crousore

William “Bill” Crousore, 74 of Walton, Indiana, died peacefully at Community Howard Regional Hospital in Kokomo Friday, September 19, 2025. He was born in Kokomo on February 24, 1951, to William E. and Marietta (Foor) Crousore. Bill married Brenda Tidler in June of 1978, spending 47 years together in matrimony.

Bill was employed as an engineer at Delco in Kokomo where he retired in 2003. He greatly loved the outdoors. He spent a lot of quality time shooting his bow and arrow in the archery range, hunting and fishing at his special “spots,” and tending to his garden. He belonged to the National Rifle Association.

Survivors include his wife Brenda, children Michael A. Crousore and wife Brooke of Noblesville, and stepdaughter Ginger Wiggington of Kokomo. He has five grandchildren Taylor, Andrew, Abigail, Marlee, and Macy, and two great-grandchildren Milo and Kiera. Bill’s siblings include his brother Steve Crousore and sisters Janet and Karen.

Graveside services will be conducted at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery on Thursday, September 25, at 3:00 p.m. with the family presiding. No visitation is scheduled.

Memorial donations may be made to the Tipton County Humane Society, P.O. Box 237, Tipton, Indiana, 46072.

Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to assist the Crousore family in their time of need. Online condolences may be made at www.young-nichols.com.



Jessica (Cochran) Muller

Jessica (Cochran) Muller, age 45, of Sheridan and formerly from Tipton, sadly left us on Thursday, September 18, 2025, due to an auto accident in Boone County. Born on November 28, 1979, in Tipton, she was the cherished daughter of Thomas W. Cochran III and Diana Lynn (Quear) Cochran.

Jessica dedicated the last 18 years of her life to her career in Human Resources at Meijer, where her warm spirit and remarkable organizational skills shone brightly. A proud graduate of Tipton High School, Class of 1998, she was known for her talent in music, earning the prestigious Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence from the United States Marine Corps during her senior year. Furthering her education, she studied English at both Indiana University Kokomo and Coastal Carolina Community College.

Beyond her professional commitments, Jessica was passionate about cooking and was always the heart of any gathering at Meijer, organizing memorable celebrations and delighting everyone with her culinary creations. Her enthusiasm extended into her hobbies too, as she enjoyed reading and exploring various crafts.

Jessica is survived by her loving parents Tom and Lynn, who reside in Fishers, and her beloved daughter Alexis J. Muller, also of Fishers, along with her daughter’s father Victor Muller.

In honor of Jessica’s life, a visitation for family and friends will take place on Thursday, September 25, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Young-Nichols Funeral Home in Tipton. This will be a time for all whose lives she touched to come together, share treasured memories, and celebrate the vibrant life she led.

The Young-Nichols Funeral Home stands ready to support Jessica’s family during this challenging time. Those wishing to express their condolences can do so by visiting her obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jessica’s memory can be made to the Humane Society for Hamilton County, located at 10501 Hague Road, Fishers, Indiana, 46038. Her legacy of kindness and love will continue to inspire all whom she touched.



Samuel Leon Orem

Samuel Leon Orem, 100 years old, of Russiaville, passed away Thursday, September 18, 2025, at his home. He was born in Russiaville, IN, on January 9, 1925, the son of the late Charles Roy and Faye Verena (Merrick) Orem. On June 29, 1947, he married Julia Ann (Rodkey) Orem, and she preceded him in death on March 27, 2022.

Leon was a 1943 graduate of Forest High School. He proudly served our country in the United States Army and was a member of the 17th Airborne and 194th Glider Infantry Regiment. He worked at the Russiaville Post Office for 18 years until his retirement in 1987. Leon was a lifetime farmer in Howard and Clinton counties, and at one time he and his father-in-law were the largest producing hog farmers in the area in the 1950s and 1960s. He was the last sibling of 11 siblings in the Orem Legacy. Leon was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a lifetime member of Union Baptist Church in Forest where he served as a Deacon. He assisted in rebuilding the church after it was destroyed by the Palm Sunday tornado in 1965. His favorite hobbies were tinkering, mowing the lawn, and socializing with his Burlington Coffee Club members.

He is survived by his children Ray Rodkey Orem and Kay (Mark) Trenary; grandson Ronnie (Stephanie) Orem; granddaughter Cheryl (Kevin Ridenour) Orem; great-grandchildren Justin Byrd, Austin Orem, Hailey Orem, Gavin Ridenour; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son Dudley Jay Orem; siblings Dwight Orem, Joe Orem, Vivian Karr, Kenneth Orem, Ralph “Shorty Orem,” Ruth Tucker, Mary Juanita Sheffer, Donald Dale Orem, Merle Orem, and Joyce Adams; and several nieces and nephews.

Leon’s family would like to extend a special thank you to his nephew David Orem, Dr. Jennifer Sylvester, Dr. John Salter, Elevate Senior Services, and Guardian Angel Hospice and all their nurses for the excellent care they provided to him.

A graveside service celebrating Leon’s life will begin 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 27, 2025, at New London Cemetery, 2104 S. County Rd. 766 W., Russiaville, IN 46979. The officiant will be Teddy Wayne Orem and Pastor Larry Harrison. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army and Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Leon’s memory to Union Baptist Church. Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.



Robin Ann Floriana

Robin Ann Floriana, age 59, of Gas City, Indiana, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. In her final act of kindness, Robin continued her lifelong commitment to helping others by giving the gift of life as an organ donor.

Born on December 16, 1965, Robin was raised in Gas City, Indiana, where she grew up attending the Church of God of Prophecy. Driven by compassion and a desire to serve, she pursued a career in healthcare, working toward her degree as a Registered Nurse. Her work reflected her heart: dedicated, nurturing, and selfless.

Robin was the proud and devoted mother of Kirsten Gobel and Dustyne Gobel and the adoring grandmother of Kaydence Chambers, Kaidreyan Jeffries, Kyler Gobel, Kaine Pressley Jr., and Kai’Varhi Pressley. Her family was her world, and she lived each day to love, protect, and uplift them. She was a mother and grandmother not only in title but in every action, every word, and every embrace.

She is lovingly remembered by her siblings Brenda McNutt, Becky Stone, and Daniel Cummings, and by her extended family Tracy Charette, Shawn Dickerson, and Judy Voland, who held special places in her heart.

Robin was preceded in death by her parents Leona and Bertram Cummings and her sisters Kathy Cummings, Sandra Cummings, and Cynthia Cummings.

Known for her incredible talents and resourcefulness, Robin could do just about anything, whether it was fixing a car, styling hair and nails, sewing clothes, or creating beautiful drawings. She had a special eye for beauty and a deep love for flowers, thrifting, and expressing her creativity through art and hands-on work.

She retired from the Walmart Distribution Center and previously spent meaningful years working at the Chronicle-Tribune, where her dedication and hard work were well respected.

Robin’s legacy is one of love, strength, generosity, and grit. Her spirit lives on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to know her.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 5 p.m. at the Church of God of Prophecy, 906 N. 10th, Gas City, IN 46933, with Pastor David Morris officiating.

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



Magnolia Jane Overley

Magnolia Jane Overley, beloved infant daughter of Austin Kale & Kelsey Lynn (Jackson) Overley, was born asleep on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Community Howard Regional Health and woke up in the arms of Jesus.

Magnolia’s arrival was anxiously expected in the coming weeks. She was loved deeply by her family that was looking forward to getting to know her. Her personality was taking shape even before birth as she demonstrated her love of music that she shared with her mommy and daddy. She would “dance” in her mommy’s belly at the concerts they attended this summer.

Her loss is felt by her parents Austin & Kelsey Overley; grandparents Ann Meadows, Dave (Connie) Jackson, and George Overley; great grandparents Maggie Hewitt, Hughie Jackson, Darrell & Mary Meadows, and Deborah Smith; uncle Alex Jackson; aunt Ciera Overley; “special aunt” Brandi Earl, and many great aunts, great uncles, and cousins.

Her arrival in Heaven was celebrated by her many family members that she has joined, including her grandmother Paula Jackson and great grandparents Janet Jackson and Paul Hewitt.

Magnolia was a gift from God and returned to his loving care far sooner than was expected. Her life has been celebrated by her family in a private service held in their time of gathering and prayer together. Magnolia’s parents dedicated her to the Lord and trust in His promises that she is in His presence.

Memorial contributions may be made in Magnolia’s memory to Heaven’s Hands, to support grieving families experiencing infant loss. Heaven’s Hands Ministry of Crossroads Community Church, 4254 S. 00 EW, Kokomo, IN 46902

Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted to care for Magnolia.



Richard J. McLay

Richard J. McLay, 87, of Kokomo, passed away at 4:20 a.m., Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Brickyard Healthcare in Kokomo. He was born on December 31, 1937, in Kokomo, the son of the late James M. and Ruby L. (Tull) McLay. On October 25, 2002, he married Ora M. (Guy) Jaenicke in Monticello, IN, and she survives.

Richard was a 1955 graduate of Kokomo High School. He served in the U.S. Army as an SP4. He worked as a foreman at Syndicate Sales and Stellite before that. In 1984, he opened and operated his own donut shop. He was a great cook and baker. Richard enjoyed playing golf and loved fishing and the time he and Ora spent on Lake Freeman. They also enjoyed wintering in Florida from 2002 to 2010.

Along with his wife Ora Jaenicke, Richard is survived by his children Richard D. “Rick” (Sue) McLay and Cynthia Sharp; stepdaughter Gina (Terry) Roe; grandchildren Stephanie Sharp and Ashley (Dylan) Boggs; sister Kathy (Paul) McLay Hecker; stepdaughter-in-law Karol Jaenicke; and several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, stepson Randal Jaenicke, grandson Gregory Sharp, and sister Carolyn (Kenneth) Owsley.

To keep with Richard’s wishes there will be no public services. Private inurnment will and military honors will be observed at Marion National Cemetery. Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory have been entrusted with arrangements.