Victor F. Hostetler, Don Ray Redding, Larry Jay Cash, Larita (Rita) Mae Miller, Ronald G. Winegardner, Walter Roy “Bud” Johnson, Bryson Lee Smith, Sidney Lewis Brown
Victor F. Hostetler
Victor F. Hostetler, 96, of Greentown, IN., passed away at 2:53 AM, Sunday, October 12, 2025, at St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, IN. He was born in Kosciusko County, IN, the son of John and Barbara Chupp Hostetler. Victor married June Melton on March 27, 1948, and she preceded him in death on May 28, 2010.
Victor was an active member of the Converse Church of Christ, which he joined in 1954 and was the oldest living member, where he has served as a Sunday School Teacher and Elder. A retired farmer, throughout his long life he demonstrated his compassion and gentleness to everyone he met. He greeted those he knew with hug or handshake.
Victor was the patriarch of the family, the rock upon which everyone could rely. He was an accomplished harmonica player and belonged to numerous gospel groups that toured local nursing homes and shut-ins. Victor was an extraordinary gifted fast-pitch softball player, completing his final game at the age of 59.
Surviving is a son Victor “Butch” Hostetler and his wife Lesa of Converse, IN, a daughter Susan Hostetler of Greentown, IN, grandchildren Kellie and Craig and his companion Kayla, and her son Parker, and a sister Arlene Rogers of Converse, IN. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife June, three unborn grandchildren, and siblings Betty Hostetler, Robert Hostetler, Duane Hostetler, Leeanna Fansler, and Delbert Hostetler.
A service celebrating the life of Victor F. Hostetler will be held at 3:00 PM, Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the Converse Church of Christ, 301 E. Wabash St., Converse, IN, with Pastor John Clark officiating. Burial will be in the Park Lawn Cemetery, Amboy. Family and friends will gather from 12:00 – 3:00 PM Thursday at the church In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Converse Church of Christ Samaritan Room.
Don Ray Redding
Don Ray Redding, 84, Russiaville, passed away Sunday, October 12, 2025, at his home. He was born June 10, 1941, in Tipton County, the son of the late Samuel “Rex” Redding and Jean Amos. On March 2, 1958, he married Mary Terhune at Liberty Baptist Church, who preceded him in death on June 29, 2019.
Don was a 1959 graduate of Western High School. He retired from General Motors as a Tool & Die maker after 30 years of service. Don was a member of Main Street Christian Church, where he was an elder at one time, and Russiaville Masonic Lodge No. 82, where he became a 32nd degree Mason. He was a motorcycle enthusiast and enjoyed woodworking and making his model airplanes. His joy for making model airplanes came after obtaining his private pilot’s license. Don enjoyed his winters in Florida with Mary.
Don is survived by his children Teresa (Jack) Williams and Kevin (Lee Ann) Redding; grandchildren Kristy (Scott) Swanson, Matthew (Amanda) Muller, Jonathan (Cayla) Bittles, Dustin (Laura) Redding, Arron (Lainie) Redding, Kylie Redding, Robyn Williams, Bryan Williams, Lori Williams, and Jeremie Williams; 17 great-grandchildren; eight great-great grandchildren; sister Marcia (Jack) Talbert; and sisters-in-law Dixie Graves, Cathy Jennings, Carol Williams, and Marlene (Bill) Rupert.
In addition to his wife Mary, Don was preceded in death by his parents, and son Brian Redding.
A funeral service celebrating Don’s life will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, October 17, 2025, at Main Street Christian Church, 220 W. Main Street, Russiaville, with Pastor Billy Martin officiating. Burial will follow in Russiaville Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Stout & Son Funeral Home, 200 E. Main Street, Russiaville. A Masonic service will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, provided by Russiaville Masonic Lodge No. 82. Memorial contributions may be made to the Main Street Christian Church in Don’s memory. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Larry Jay Cash
Larry Jay Cash, 82, Kokomo, passed away at 2:14 p.m., Saturday, October 11, 2025, surrounded by family. He was born April 1, 1943, in Noblesville, IN, the son of the late John A. and Rosemary (Lunsford) Cash. On December 11, 1965, he married Marilyn Sue German, who preceded him in death on December 4, 2015.
A proud graduate of Mulberry High School in 1961, Larry served in the Army National Guard. His career spanned over four decades at Chrysler Corp., where he retired, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and dedication. He was a member of Old Lighthouse Tabernacle Church. Larry was a cherished member of his community, church, and a dedicated family man.
Larry’s life was marked by a passion for adventure and the outdoors. He was an enthusiast of power parachuting, shooting compound bow, motorcycling, and horses. His love for animals reflected his kind and compassionate spirit.
Larry is survived by his children Christopher Cash of Tipton, Penny Dowling of Kokomo, and Cindy (Mark) Seamster of Kokomo; his sister Marcia Wooldridge of Lafayette; his grandchildren Benji Dowling of Ontario, Canada, Bethany Dowling (Ben James) of England, Amber (Joseph) Badali of Ontario, Canada, and Courtney Cash of Tipton; three great-grandchildren; and his special friend and companion Betty Lord of Gas City.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Marilyn; and twin brother Jerry, along with siblings Johnny Cash and Sandra Gaylor.
A funeral service will be held at noon on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Jeremy Lord officiating. Burial will follow in Sharpsville Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to visit from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Larry’s memory to the Kokomo Rescue Mission or the Salvation Army, honoring his spirit of giving and helping others.
Larita (Rita) Mae Miller
Larita (Rita) Mae Miller, age 80, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away surrounded by her family on Saturday, October 11, 2025. She was born April 10, 1945, to the late Kelly and Edna Barber.
Rita worked for Delco Electronics for many years before her retirement. During her time at Delco, she helped support her own personal Avon business by selling products to her co-workers. She owned Rita’s Avon & More in Amboy, Indiana. She even made the President’s Club through Avon several times. She loved to dance to ‘60s music, and the nostalgia always made her break out her painted skirt from her senior year of high school. She graduated from Kokomo High School class of 1963. That was also a time in her life when she enjoyed going ice skating.
Rita later married Oba J. Miller, and together they lived a life full of country living, making maple syrup in the woods at the sugar shack, and sharing their property with their church family for autumn hayrides and Harvest gatherings. They enjoyed many cruises with family and friends over the years. She and her sister Marta made numerous anniversary trips to Shipshewana, ensuring they visited all the local stores. She enjoyed playing bingo with friends and family. Rita was a current member of Abundant Life Church, where she attended with her daughter Jamie.
Rita is survived by her daughter Jamie Caraveo (Israel) of Kokomo, IN; siblings Gregg Waites of Las Vegas, NV, Jeanne Williams (Steve), Janet Parks (Danny), and Marta Schmitt (Pete), all of Kokomo, IN; sister-in-law Sandra Miller of Amboy, IN; her grandchildren Jon Casbon, Grant Nelson Jr. (Missy), Danny Hill, Megan Williams and Nolan Turner (Madison); several great grandchildren; and of course, her fur baby Marley Mae Miller.
In addition to her parents, Rita was preceded in death by the father who raised her James L. Waites; her husband Oba J. Miller; her daughter Kelley Jameson; grandchild Matthew Hill; grandchild Eric Nelson; and great-grandchild Jameson Williams.
A visitation for Rita will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, IN 46902, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM officiated by Chaplain Adam Rinehart.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rita’s memory may be made to Kokomo Humane Society, 729 E Hoffer St, Kokomo, Indiana 46902.
Ronald G. Winegardner
Ronald G. Winegardner, 83, Kokomo, Indiana, formerly of Logansport, passed away Monday morning, October 13, 2025, in the comfort of his home with his family close beside him.
Born September 11, 1942, in Logansport, he was the son of the late Walter L. and Edith (Conrad) Winegardner.
Ron was a 1960 graduate of Logansport High School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving from 1960-1964 during the Vietnam War. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 60.
He was married on December 5, 1964, in Logansport, to Rita J. (Moore) Winegardner, who survives.
In 2004, Ron retired from Rockwell International Springs Company where he had worked for 40 ½ years.
Ron was a hardworking man who loved his family and country. He found joy in the simple things: family, music, and fishing. His life was quiet, steady, and full of heart. From 2008-2025, he and Rita enjoyed the warmth and beauty of life in Fort Myers Beach, Florida.
Surviving with his wife of 60 years are: children Victoria (Terry) Wolford of Kokomo, David (Brenda) Vinson of Cypress, Texas, Kathy DeWitt of Alexandria, Kelly Alder of Logansport, and Gary (Cynthia) Winegardner of Noblesville; one brother Gordon “Jack” Winegardner of Logansport; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Danny Vinson, six brothers Bob, Victor, Burl, William “Bill,” Harold “Fuzzy,” and Melvin Winegardner; and his sister Wanda Kirkham.
A visitation will be held from 4–7 p.m. Friday, October 17, in the funeral chapel and one hour prior to the service on Saturday.
A funeral service celebrating Ron’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 18, in Fisher Funeral Chapel.
Burial, with full military honors, will be accorded by the USAF Honors Unit and the Cass County Honor Guard, in the Yeoman Cemetery in White County.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.
Walter Roy “Bud” Johnson
Walter Roy “Bud” Johnson, 95, of Tipton, died peacefully Monday morning October 13, 2025, at the Waters of Tipton. He was born in Hancock County, Tennessee on May 21, 1930, to Lon and Martha (Fletcher) Johnson. He married Beulah T. (Brooks) on May 31, 1955, spending a blessed 70 years in matrimony; she survives.
Bud was a hard worker, spending more than 25 years as a welder and fabricator at FMC Corporation in Tipton. He had a great skill in working with his hands, and it showed as he produced many wood items from his shop. His love of his family was apparent, and it continued to grow as he recently welcomed two new great-grandchildren. Bud had a deep devotion to his Lord and the church. After 95 years, he went home to be with the Lord after serving a multitude of years as a deacon for his church. He and his wife also sang in a quartet that ministered to several homecoming events at local churches fueling his love for music. Bud also enjoyed cheering on the Indianapolis Colts during the football season.
Survivors include his wife Beulah, son Roy Michael Johnson and wife Robin of Greenfield, and a sister Coleen Brooks and husband Herb of Michigan. Grandchildren include Holly Allman and husband Gil Graham, Dana Delap and husband Charlie, and Kevin Johnson and wife Danielle. His great-grandchildren are Everett Graham, Emery Delap, Emerson Delap, Ellie Delap, and Harper Johnson. He also has many nieces and nephews who were special to him.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, at the Beech Grove Baptist Church in Tipton. Revs. Adam Rinehart, Mike Seabolt, Donnie Mustard, and Jimmy Hunt will preside. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery. Visitation will begin at the church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday prior to the service.
Bud’s family would like to give a special “Thank You” to a special family friend, Debbie Bennington for all of her care and support and to The Waters of Tipton and Kelli, Adam, and Alyssa from Guardian Angel Hospice for the excellent care he received.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Beech Grove Baptist Church, 233 Mill Street, Tipton, Indiana, 46072.
Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to assist the Johnson family in their time of need. Please leave online condolences at www.young-nichols.com.
Bryson Lee Smith
Bryson Lee Smith, 18, Russiaville, went to be with the Lord at 11 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at his home. Born March 16, 2007, in Howard County, Bryson was the son of Daniell and Dawn (Baker) Smith.
Bryson loved his sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends. He was diagnosed at a very young age with muscular dystrophy. Bryson had struggled within the last few years with lung issues, being hospitalized and having tests done. He still held his head high and kept going. He was wheelchair bound, unable to walk because of his disease, and it got to the point where he had to have breathing machines and a feeding tube. He was always in so much pain, and no matter the amount of pain he was in he’d never let you know. He enjoyed playing Roblox with his sister and cousins. He enjoyed playing on his iPad, watching tv, playing with Legos and Hot Wheels. He got to visit Lego Land and go on one last family trip before he passed.
Bryson was a beautiful light in the lives of everyone he met, so happy and so thoughtful. We are all in shock and hurting losing him. Enough time is still never enough.
Bryson is survived by two sisters Katrina L Smith (CJ) and Aurora L Smith (Collin Morgan); uncles Curtis D Smith and James W (Brenda) Smith; aunt Katelynn Baker; cousins Amara (Michael) Betts, Darion Warden (Jeremy Miller), Donovan Smith (Makayla Coffman), Christian Smith, Xavier Smith, and Kai Baker; grandparents Ronald Baker and Kathy Boyer; and several distant cousins, aunts, and uncles.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather Harvey A. Smith and grandmother (Nana) Marcella M Smith, great-grandparents Darl and Patricia Baker, and Uncle Richard Lee Covert.
A celebration of life will take place at 1 p.m. on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Stout & Son Funeral Home, 200 E Main St., Russiaville, with Pastor Jamie Lyon officiating. Burial will follow in New London Cemetery. Friends may visit the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the funeral to help assist the family with final expenses. Messages of condolence and contributions may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Sidney Lewis Brown
Sidney Lewis Brown, 79, of Carmel, died early Monday morning October 13, 2025, at Wellbrooke of Westfield. He was born on July 12, 1946, in Elwood to Jack Lewis and Martha Mae (Havens) Brown. Sidney was fortunate to meet his Australian wife Ann Geddes in 1994 and after a few years of traveling back and forth between the countries they married in May of 1996. They were able to spend 19 years together in Melbourne, Australia, prior to her passing.
Sidney was a draftsman, working for Delco in Kokomo and helping to transition from the original paper-and-pencil documents into the newest and latest computer-aided drafting. He was an avid car enthusiast, enjoying his Porsche automobile. He followed the Formula One racing circuit. In his leisure time he could be found spending time with his dogs, traveling, or just enjoying a good book.
Survivors include his only son Johnathan Lewis Brown and wife Melissa of Westfield and grandchildren Jerrod Backus and wife Shanda and Gwendolyn Brown. Sidney also has a sister Ellen Hoback and husband Greg.
A celebration of life will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 6, at Young-Nichols Funeral Home with Steve Brown presiding. The family will receive friends beginning at 6:00 p.m. before the service. Burial at Brookside Cemetery in Windfall will occur at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Hamilton County, 10501 Hague Rd., Fishers, Indiana, 46038.
Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to assist the Brown family in their time of need. Online condolences for Sidney’s family may be left on his obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.