Owen Harrison Owsley, Helen Louise (Elston) Spence, Larry L. Gibson, Betty (Clouser) Johner, Mary Sue Henry
Owen Harrison Owsley
Owen Harrison Owsley, a faithful, hard-working, and devoted man, went home to be with the Lord on November 25, 2025, at the age of 90. Born on May 10, 1935, Owen was a resident of Kokomo, Indiana, where he lived a life marked by dedication to his family and community.
Owen proudly served as a Marine from 1953 to 1963, including a tour in Korea from 1953 to 1955. Following his military service, he worked as a pipefitter for Continental Steel, embodying the strong work ethic for which he was known. He then went on to work at Chrysler until his retirement in 2000.
Owen had a passion for basketball, whether it was watching it or playing. He also enjoyed shooting pool and playing the guitar. In his free time, he could be found in his chair, watching westerns. He was a member at Southside Apostolic Church.
Owen was a family-oriented man, deeply devoted to his loved ones. He was preceded in death by his wife Helen J. Owsley, his father Harrison L. Owsley, his mother Genina (Arnwine) Owsley, his daughter Debra Adams, and siblings Kenneth Owsley, Juanita Sears, and Wayne Owsley. He is survived by his daughters Rebecca A. Stetzel (Thomas) and Jennifer J. Filip (Rick); grandchildren Tyler Harrison Stetzel (Katelyn), Trey Andrew Stetzel, Jackie Fleagle (AJ), and Eric Filip (Abby); and great-grandchildren Trenton Stetzel, Harrison Fleagle, and Vincent Fleagle. He also leaves behind his sisters Pauletta Wray (Clinton), Joyce Sheely (Ron), Joan Stater, and Ruth Collins, and his brother Ron Owsley.
Visitation will be held at Ellers Mortuary & Crematory Center, located at 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana, on December 1, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the same location, officiated by Rev. Keith Mosier and Rev. Melvin Kuntzman. Graveside services will be held on December 2, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Crown Point Cemetery, 1101 E. Sycamore St., Kokomo, Indiana.
Helen Louise (Elston) Spence
Helen Louise (Elston) Spence, 88 years old, of Sharpsville, passed away 1:40 a.m. Friday, November 28, 2025, at The Waters of Tipton. She was born in Delphi, IN, on September 26, 1937, the daughter of the late Tom and Pearl (Hills) Elston. In June of 1970, she married Floyd W. Spence, and he preceded her in death on June 20, 2009.
Helen was a 1955 graduate of Delphi High School. She retired from St. Joseph Hospital in Kokomo after 25 years of service as a switchboard operator. Helen loved watching country and western TV shows.
She is survived by her stepson Gary Spence.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son Tom Devore; and brother John Elston.
Friends are invited to celebrate Helen’s life at a graveside service beginning 11 a.m. Thursday December 4, 2025, at Sharpsville Cemetery, 414 E. Elm St., Sharpsville, IN 46068, with Chaplain Adam Rhinehart officiating. Stout & Son Funeral Home – Sharpsville Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Larry L. Gibson
Larry L. Gibson, 69, of Russiaville, passed away surrounded by his family at 11:29 p.m. on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the home of his daughter where he resided. Larry was born in Elwood on April 3, 1956, to Lawrence & Alice (Bragg) Gibson.
He worked at Steel Parts in Tipton for most of his career. Larry was a graduate of Tipton High School in the Class of 1974. He was a real motorcycle enthusiast and enjoyed camping, fishing, and splashing his canoe into whatever body of water he could find. A big football fan, he especially enjoyed watching his team, the Philadelphia Eagles.
Larry is survived by his four children: Eric Gibson and wife Sally, Greentown; Brandi Hancock and husband Michael, Russiaville; April Pfohl and husband Larry, Kokomo; and Angie Gibson, Tipton. He also had three siblings: Bill Gibson, Noblesville; Brenda Brackney, Marysville, California; and Cheryl Purvis, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He had 12 grandchildren Makayla (Jesse) Kern, Jackson Gibson, Savanna Gibson, Jacob Fredrickson, Dalton Rockwell, Ethan Rockwell, Kierstin Rockwell, Gavyn Hancock, Sydnee (Adrian) Pressey, Kileigh (Draven) Browning, Gabriel Gibson, and Peyton Gibson, as well as seven great-grandchildren.
A memorial service for Larry will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 4, at Young-Nichols Funeral Home with Pastor Brad Swain presiding. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Tipton. Visitation will be on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service.
Larry’s family would like to thank Compassus Hospice for their excellent care, with a special thanks to nurse Kayla Leroux.
Young-Nichols Funeral Home has been entrusted with Larry’s care. Online condolences for Larry’s family may be left on his obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.
Betty (Clouser) Johner
Betty (Clouser) Johner, 100, passed away on November 27, 2025, at The Waters of Tipton, in Tipton, Indiana, after a prolonged illness. Born on August 13, 1925 in Modoc, Indiana, she grew up on a farm near Windfall, Indiana, where she attended school.
After graduation, Betty worked at the Delco Radio factory and lived in Kokomo during WW II. She met her husband John while visiting her brother Ray while they were both enlisted in the Army. She married John in July 1944 prior to his deployment to Europe. After the war and John’s discharge from the service, they moved back to John’s home in North Dakota.
A stay-at-home mom, she raised three children (Cheryl, Tim, Jer). She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and quilting, as well as cooking. Later, she pursued a career in healthcare, working as receptionist and bookkeeper at local hospitals in Powers Lake and Tioga, North Dakota. She went back to school, taking classes to become an LPN in 1982 and worked at the Tioga, North Dakota, Hospital until she retired in 1997. She served as sacristan and board member at the St. James Catholic church until her move back to Indiana in May 2011.
She is survived by her son Jer and her sister Marlene, as well as several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Predeceased are her parents Oakley and Mary; siblings Virginia, Fred, Gene, Arthur, John, Ray, Lemone, Bill, Charlie, Ellen, and Jane; her husband John; and children Cheryl and Tim.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 noon on Saturday, December 6, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Rev. Adam Mauman presiding. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until Mass time. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery.
Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to assist Betty’s family at this time. Online condolences for her family may be left on her obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.
Mary Sue Henry
Mary Sue Henry, a cherished soul known for her boundless love and infectious humor, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2025, in her hometown of Kokomo, Indiana. Born on August 3, 1975, to the late Lillard and Ollie Jean Brown, Mary’s life was a testament to her unwavering spirit and generous heart.
Mary’s journey began in Kokomo, where she was embraced by a large and loving family. Her laughter and warmth were the cornerstones of many family gatherings, and her presence will be deeply missed. She leaves behind her devoted husband Brian Henry and their children Robby McKinney and his wife Nicole, Nicholas, Justin, and Shelby McKinney. Her grandchildren RJ, Nevaeh, Xaiver, Jessica, and Lulu, were the light of her life, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Mary was a beloved sister to Linda, Juanita, Levina, Holly, and Steph, and a respected sibling to her brothers Mike, Lenny, and Bud. Her goddaughter in Jamaica, “KK,” along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, will forever hold Mary in their hearts.
Mary’s professional life was marked by her dedication and leadership in the culinary industry. She worked at various establishments, including the Elbow Room, Handle Bar, and Wings Etc., where she managed the kitchens with precision and care. Her colleagues admired her for running a tight ship, and patrons appreciated the love she poured into every dish.
Beyond her work, Mary’s passions painted a vibrant picture of her personality. She was an artist at heart, enjoying painting and drawing, and her love for music was evident to all who knew her. Camping, attending concerts, and traveling were among her favorite pastimes. She had an insatiable love for baking, always had a craft project in the works, and took great pleasure in making wreaths. Mary’s adventurous spirit led her to explore antique stores, ride motorcycles, and relish her trips to Mexico, Niagara Falls, and Jamaica.
Mary’s life was a beautiful mosaic of courage, love, and laughter. She approached every challenge with bravery and every joy with open arms. Her ability to find humor in the everyday made her a beacon of light in the lives of those around her. Her legacy is one of love, a reminder to embrace the beauty in the world, and to live each day with a generous and courageous heart.
As we bid farewell to Mary Sue Henry, we celebrate the remarkable life she lived and the countless lives she touched. Her memory will continue to inspire and guide us, just as the stars continue to shine long after they have faded from view. Mary’s spirit will forever remain a cherished part of the tapestry that is her family’s history and the community of Kokomo, Indiana.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com