Vonna “Bonnie” L. Christie Wardlow, Carolyn “Sue” Ruschau, Marsha Kay Sullivan, Frances Delores (Bowers) Kidwell, Joyce Laine McKinney, Annette Louise Payne
Vonna “Bonnie” L. Christie Wardlow
Vonna “Bonnie” L. Christie Wardlow, 90, formerly of Kokomo, passed away Thursday, December 11, 2025, at T. Boone Pickens Hospice Facility in Dallas, Texas. She was born December 30, 1934, in Russiaville; the daughter of the late Bruce and Jane (Baker) Ridenour. Bonnie worked at Delco Electronics as a committeeman for 34 years in Department 3, retiring in 1992.
Bonnie is survived by her children Marilyn (Tony) Miller of Ocean Springs, MS, John Duncan of Frisco, TX, and Debbie (Jay) Echelbarger of Greentown; nine grandchildren Traci, Lancen, Stacey, Bruce, Angel, Amber, Ashleigh, Matthew, and Andrew; 16 great-grandchildren Brianne, Cierra, Dalton, Payton, Logan, Kaitlyn, Bruce, Izzy, Gabe, Michael, Charlie, Colton, Makenna, Emersyn, Maeve, and CJ; seven great-great grandchildren Kameron, Miah, Sophiah, Dray’a, Brylan, Kaison, and Maisy; and special friends who are family Bobbie Scott, Larry Shipman, and Rick Ancil.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, son Richard L. Duncan, sister Gertrude Johnson, and brothers Ralph and Warren Ridenour.
A funeral service celebrating Bonnie’s life will take place at 1 p.m. Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Stout & Son Funeral Home, 200 E. Main St., Russiaville, with Dr. Jim Willoughby officiating. Burial will follow in Russiaville Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 11 a.m. until the start of the service on Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Temple Baptist Church in Bonnie’s memory. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Carolyn “Sue” Ruschau
Carolyn “Sue” Ruschau, 88, of Kokomo, went home to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Century Villa Health Care Center in Greentown. She was born October 9, 1937, to Ross and Georgianna (Harrod) Newhard. She married the love of her life Raymond F. Ruschau on August 1, 1976, in Indianapolis. Ray preceded her in death on September 8, 2023.
Sue taught U.S. History at Maconaquah High School for 17 years. She graduated high school as valedictorian, earned her bachelor’s degree from Taylor University (summa cum laude), and her master’s degree from the University of Iowa. She was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma teachers’ sorority and Bible Baptist Church in Kokomo. In her spare time, she enjoyed attending auctions. Sue expressed many times how blessed she was to have the parents she had, a wonderful husband, and great friends that cared for her up to the end.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until service time at 10:00 a.m. at Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston on Friday, December 19, 2025, with Pastor Keith Treadway officiating. Burial will follow in the Galveston Cemetery. She will be laid to rest next to her dear husband Ray. Memorial contributions may be given to Bible Baptist Church in Kokomo in her memory.
Murray Weaver Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com
Marsha Kay Sullivan
Marsha Kay Sullivan, 70, of Kokomo, passed away on Monday, December 8, 2025, at her home. She was born on April 7, 1955, the daughter of Robert N. and Regina Ann (Sweeny) Brunnemer.
Marsha was a 1972 graduate of Kokomo High School. She enjoyed painting, coloring, and going to the movies. She had a lot of faith and loved Jesus. She loved animals, especially her dog Spanky. She enjoyed the holidays and spending time with her family, especially shopping with her daughter Abby. She liked her marshmallow cokes, cardinals, roses, and listening to Christian worship music. She was giving, caring, kind, an understanding woman and was a loving grandma. Marsha usually put others before herself.
Marsha is survived by her children Abby McLay and Travis McLay; grandchildren Andrew McLay and Kaylee McLay; and sister Brenda Ott Murray.
She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Regina Brunnemer and sister Theresa Walker.
A funeral service celebrating Marsha’s life will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 5 p.m. at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Mike Williams officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 3 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kokomo Humane Society, https://kokomohumane.org/donate/. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Frances Delores (Bowers) Kidwell
Frances Delores (Bowers) Kidwell, 88 years old, of Kokomo, passed away 4:23 p.m. Monday, December 8, 2025, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo. She was born at home in Luttrell, TN, on January 31, 1937, she was the eldest child and daughter of the late Harlan and Maude (Frazier) Bowers. On June 12, 1954, she married James Kenneth “Kenny” Kidwell, and he preceded her in death on March 22, 1997.
Frances attended Western School Corp. She retired from Delco Electronics as a group leader. Frances was a kind and giving person. She was the ultimate caretaker and was the best Memaw to her family and several individuals outside of her family. Her favorite hobbies were cooking and baking. She loved when people stopped by and always had food available. She was supportive and a member of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving organization. Frances will be remembered for being a tough and resilient woman who had an ornery sense of humor.
She is survived by her daughter Debbie Longshore; grandchildren Jason (Rachel) Kidwell, Eric Kidwell, Amber Fineman, Brandon Pitcher, Randee (Rob) White; several great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Harlan and Maude Bowers; husband Kenny Kidwell; son Randy Kidwell; three sisters; two brothers; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law; son-in-law Dr. Robert Longshore; and a few nieces and nephews.
Debbie would like to thank her cousin Lisa and Wilma, who was her caregiver for four years.
Friends are invited to visit with the family at 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 19, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 West Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. A graveside service celebrating Frances’ life will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Friday at Sunset Memory Garden with Pastor Jimmy Hunt officiating. Stout & Son Funeral has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Joyce Laine McKinney
Joyce Laine McKinney, 72, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away December 13, 2025. She was born on February 5, 1953, in Kokomo, Indiana, the daughter of Jack Jones Sr. and Verna (Mann) Jones. She married David McKinney, who survives. She retired from Kokomo Schools after almost 30 years of employment. Joyce loved BINGO, playing cards, and spending time with her grandkids and great-grandkids.
Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband David “Dink”; children Daniel (Brandy) McKinney, Jeffrey (Marci) McKinney, Judy (Ben) Yard, Jessica Chavez, Isabell, Tiana, and Coletta McKinney; 13 grandchildren Nicholas (Karissa) McKinney, Alexander McKinney, David McKinney, Courtney McKinney, Stephanie McKinney, Rachelann Harrington, Kyra (Stephan) Polk, Brittany (Gage) Lidy, Austin Yard, Kija Ash, Alessandra Ash, Harmony Carver, Elena Carver; 16 great-grandchildren; and sisters Janet Wheeler and Barbara Coombs.
She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Jack Jones Jr., Martha Johns, and Caroline Tyler.
Visitation will take place from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 pm on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 19, 2025, at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, Kokomo, Indiana. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.
Annette Louise Payne
Annette Louise Payne, a beacon of love and generosity, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025, in Kokomo, Indiana, at the age of 76. Born to Earl and Maxine Manbridge on February 3, 1949, in Enterprise, Alabama, Annette’s life was a testament to the strength and kindness that she embodied.
Annette’s Christian faith was a cornerstone of her life, guiding her actions and her unwavering commitment to her family and community. She was a proud veteran, having served her country in the Army starting in March 1968, a period that instilled in her a sense of discipline and service that she carried throughout her life.
Her love for the outdoors was unparalleled; Annette found joy in the simplicity of nature. She was an avid fisher and hunter, reveling in the tranquility and beauty of the wilderness. Annette’s passion for flea markets was well-known, as she could often be found searching for treasures and antiques that caught her eye. Her creative spirit shone brightly through her handmade Indian crafts and jewelry, which she crafted with care and precision.
Annette’s love for North Carolina was evident to all who knew her. She often spoke of the state’s beauty and the peace it brought her. Her friendly and open nature meant she never knew a stranger, and she had the remarkable ability to make everyone feel at home in her presence.
Above all, Annette cherished her family deeply. She is survived by her oldest son Charles “Grant” Neal, and her youngest Troy, and his wife Bridget, Neal. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren Brittany Hizer and her husband Blain, Cassie Barnett and her husband Nick, Clayton Lowe and his wife Kelsey, Harmonie Neal, and Chloe Diskey. Annette’s great-grandchildren Aspynn, Casynn, Dawsynn, Axtynn, Coyer, Karsyn, Cali, Colbie, Hadleigh, and Waylon will grow up hearing stories of their great-grandmother’s loving and giving spirit.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Brickyard for their compassionate care during Annette’s stay. A special thanks is also given to Christina and Alisha, who went above and beyond in caring for Annette, ensuring her comfort and dignity in her final days.
Annette’s life was a beautiful tapestry of love, generosity, and friendship. She will be remembered for her warm smile, her open heart, and the countless lives she touched. Her spirit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her, and her memory will be cherished forever. Annette Louise Payne’s story is not one of sorrow, but a celebration of a life well-lived and a woman well-loved.
There will be a Celebration of Life on January 25 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Community Center in Galveston (Galveston Park), 101 Park Road, Galveston, IN 46932