Bonnie Grant, Colleen Ann (Redding) Blackburn, Melissa “Missy” Dawn Delrymple, Theodore “Ted” Murray McKay, Jerry Lee Deck, Dayton Wilson Merrell, Connie Sue Riggs, Beulah Johnson
Bonnie Grant
Bonnie Grant, 72, of Urbandale, IA, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the Gunderson Funeral Home – Weishaar Chapel in Manson with burial following at St. John’s Cemetery, Lizard Township. Visitation will be held from 12:00-1:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.
Bonnie was born in Fort Dodge, IA, on May 28, 1953, to Max and Louise (Gronewald) Miller. She grew up in Manson, graduating from Manson High School in 1971. She went on to attend DMACC, Iowa State University, and Bowling Green University graduating with a bachelor’s degree in education and special education and then a master’s degree in education administration and supervision. Bonnie was united in marriage to Barry Lee Grant on June 8, 1974, at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Manson. Over the years they lived in Ames, IA, Grand Rapids, OH, Tipton, IN, and then Urbandale, IA. She worked in elementary education at Patrick Henry Local Schools in Ohio, Tipton Community Schools in Indiana, and then the Des Moines Public Schools as a special education teacher and administrator. Bonnie loved shopping, was an avid reader and enjoyed pottery and painting. She also loved spending time with her family.
Bonnie is survived by Barry Grant; sons Jared (Emily) Grant and Jason Grant; daughter Ashley (Aaron) Johnston; grandchildren Max, Eva, and Brooklyn Grant; and her sister Barb Hansen. She was preceded in death by her parents Max and Louise Miller and her sister Marilyn Jepsen.
In lieu of flowers, donations of school supplies and children’s books can be donated to your local schools in her honor.
Colleen Ann (Redding) Blackburn
Colleen Ann (Redding) Blackburn, 88 years old, of Cutler, left this life on Saturday January 3, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo, IN. She was born on May 4, 1937, to parents Gene and Betty Redding. They later divorced.
Colleen graduated from Tipton High School in 1955. She married Norman Blackburn on February 20, 1959, Burlington, IN, and he survives. They shared 66 years of marriage. She worked as a secretary at Chrysler at the Kokomo plant in the Purchasing Department for four years. Later, she worked at Rockwell Spring in Logansport. Finally, she worked as a cook at Carroll High School in Flora for 20 years, retiring in 1995. Colleen attended Cutler Presbyterian Church for more than 60 years. She taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and participated in most events there. She enjoyed crocheting, reading, playing the piano, gardening, and she canned the vegetables every year from their garden. She cherished her kids and grandkids.
She is survived by her husband Norman Blackburn of Flora; children Brad (Lora) Blackburn of Flora, Cindy McKinley of Kokomo, and Mike (Jan) Blackburn of Burnettsville; grandchildren Chelsy (Nate) Hutchison of West Chester, OH, Darin Blackburn of Lafayette, Rachel (Jared) McDonald of Queen’s Creek, AZ, Devon Chapman of Chicago, IL, Reno (Letie) Gray of Flora, Nick (Jackie) Saylor of Durham, NC, and Jake (Jessica) Saylor of Fishers; great-grandchildren Owen & Olivia Huffer, Aiden Blackburn, Nash & Knox McDonald, Keely Saylor, Brae, Myles and Zane Gray, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Colleen was preceded in death by her brother David Redding, as well as her father Gene Redding, mother Betty Wilson, and stepfather Earl Wilson.
Colleen will be best remembered for the daily journal that she kept throughout her life. When we couldn’t remember when a life event occurred or needed details, it was always there in her journal to jog our memories.
Many of us will miss her awesome homemade cinnamon rolls, her dinner rolls, and her award-winning cherry pie. Colleen loved to bake, and a hot cherry pie could often get her out of the doghouse with her husband. Christmas was the “High Holiday” for Norman and Colleen; it was an annual Christmas tradition for a morning brunch to be served and enjoyed by her family. Between them, they always had a way to make Christmas an extra-special day.
Aside from cooking and baking, Colleen crocheted many an afghan for her children and grandchildren. These will now become precious memories for all who own one. Colleen had an unfailing ability to write thank-you notes (that almost arrived before you even got home) for every kindness or courtesy shown. Faith was an important element in her life, and her strong convictions guided her family throughout the course of her life. Her son described her as “the best person to lead the family in the direction they were going.”
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Cutler Presbyterian Church, 40 E. 500 S. Cutler, IN 46920. A funeral service celebrating Colleen’s life will begin 1 p.m. on Thursday at the church with Rev. Leland “Lee” McReynolds officiating. Burial will follow in Ball Hill Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Colleen’s memory to the Cutler Presbyterian Church. Stout & Son Funeral Home – Neptune Chapel in Burlington has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Melissa “Missy” Dawn Delrymple
Melissa “Missy” Dawn Delrymple, 49, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on December 31, 2025. She was born December 23, 1976, in Tipton, the daughter of Lawrence Dulworth and Peggy Jo (Carter) Dulworth. On September 23, 2000, she married the love of her life and best friend Patrick Delrymple in the Bahamas, and he survives.
Missy was a 1995 graduate of Tri-Central High School and a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University, where she received her associate’s degree in business administration. She was working as a hospice liaison for Anew Hospice. Missy attended Abundant Life Church. She enjoyed working out, but above all, she had a special gift for working with the elderly, helping people and spending time with her family.
In addition to her husband Patrick, Missy is survived by her daughters Hannah (Noah) Wolfe and Hallie (David) Woolever; grandson Weston; father Lawrence Dulworth; along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Missy was preceded in death by her mom Peggy Jo Dulworth; grandparents Cordell & Passie Dulworth, Haskell Carter, and Virgie Parks; aunts Patsy Deckert, Dean Lytle, and Sue Bowser; and uncle Haskell “Bub” Carter Jr.
A funeral service celebrating Missy’s life will take place at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 9, 2026, at Northview Church-Kokomo Campus, 3409 S 200 W, Kokomo, with Pastor Greg Reed officiating. Burial will follow in Brookside Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Stout & Son Funeral Home. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Theodore “Ted” Murray McKay
Theodore “Ted” Murray McKay, 64 years old, of Russiaville, died in his home from his battle with ALS on Sunday, January 4, 2026. He was born in Kokomo, Indiana, on August 17, 1961, to parents Murray and Martha (Lambiotte) McKay. He was the sixth of seven children.
Ted graduated from Kokomo High School in 1979. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served for 20 years. After retirement from the Army, Ted worked for Haynes International and later retired in 2023.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents Murray and Martha McKay; father-in-law Robert “Bob” Carr, brother-in-law Dean Thomas; niece Autumn McKay; and nephew Bryan McKay.
Ted is survived by his wife of 42 years Janeen (Carr) McKay; daughters Meghan McKay (Justin Bennett) and Lea Proulx (Adam); grandchildren Cameron and Ember Proulx and Andrew Koerner; siblings Tom McKay (Darlene), Suzi Mingus (Gary), Tim McKay, Sandy Thomas, Sara Roseberry (John), and Terry McKay (Tammy); mother-in-law Joan Carr; and many nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, January 9, 2026, at Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel, 200 E. Main St., Russiaville, IN 46979. A funeral service celebrating Ted’s life will begin 11 a.m. Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Russiaville Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army and Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Contributions may be made in Ted’s memory to Howard Haven Residential Center or The ALS Association. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Jerry Lee Deck
Jerry Lee Deck, age 90, of Luttrell, passed away January 4, 2026, at Tennova North Medical Center. He lived in Kokomo, Indiana until retirement.
He is preceded in death by wife Betty Deck, both parents, brothers, a sister, and daughters. He is survived by children Michelle (C. D.) Hill, Twila (Mark) Doenges, and Billy (Sonja) Phillips; grandchildren Jessica (Daniel) Cooke, Brittany Ramsey, Anthony (Becca) Strange, Nathan Strange, Ashley (Erickson) Arriola, Zach Hollander, Jacob (Brooke) Carr, Amber (Jason) Ereth, Bonnie Kinney, Bobby Newman, Nathaniel Phillips, and Chris Farrar; siblings Mark (Vickie) Deck, Jackie Williams, Pamela Shuck, Delviagene (Vern) Colter, Billie and Vickie; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
The family will receive friends 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Friday, January 9, 2026, in the Trinity Funeral Home Chapel. The service to follow with Reverend Jason Dyer officiating. Trinity Funeral Home, Maynardville, has the honor of serving the Jerry Deck family. 865-992-5002 www.trinityfuneralhome.net
Dayton Wilson Merrell
Dayton Wilson Merrell, 88, was born on October 6, 1937, in Kokomo, Indiana, and went to be with the Lord on January 4, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was the first-born son of Russell Dayton and Sarah Kathryn (Wilson) Merrell. On September 6, 1959, he was united in marriage to Janet Elaine Chambers at Upper Deer Creek Church, and they recently celebrated 66 years of marriage. Dayton and Janet were faithful members of UDC throughout their lives. Dayton served as Sunday School teacher for many years, as well as Superintendent. He also served in various other roles as trustee, chairman of the building committee, chairman of the church board, deacon, and elder. Dayton sang in the church choir and played in the English Handbell choir.
He graduated from Northwestern High School in 1955, where he played on the baseball team as well as the basketball team, winning the school’s first basketball sectional in 1955. Athletics have always been a special part of his life, and Dayton enjoyed following many athletes through each season.
In 2008, he received the Northwestern Distinguished Alumni award in recognition of deeds, leadership, and character. Dayton was also inducted into the Northwestern Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017 in recognition of significant contributions to the athletic programs. He was influential in helping create the term, “Tiger Tradition of Excellence” and was a lifelong supporter of all Northwestern athletics.
Dayton served in the National Guard for eight years. He was a farmer of corn, soybeans, and wheat, as well as a hog farmer. God blessed Dayton as a lifelong farmer, and he hoped to leave the land better than when he found it.
Dayton served for 14 years as a member of the Excel Co-op Board of Directors, followed by three years as a member of the National Land O’ Lakes Board of Directors based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He also served on the Howard County Soil and Water Board of Directors, as well as being awarded as a Master Farmer for the state of Indiana in 1999.
Dayton is survived by his wife Janet, along with three children Ted (Jean) Merrell, Terry (Nieta) Merrell, and Teena (Steve) Wallace; 11 grandchildren Katie (Dustin) Smith, Blake (Alyssa) Merrell, Brayden (Lauren) Merrell, Karson (Abby) Merrell, Dustin (Briyanni) Merrell, Kira Archer, Karlie (Rob) Wright, Klair (Nolan) Mader, Lydia Wallace, Mia (Carter) Taylor, and Ella (fiancé, Tyler Ballinger) Wallace; 15 great-grandchildren Addy, Cam, and Cole Smith, Blakely and Chandler Merrell, Maea, Christian, and Maison Merrell, Lucas, Maddie, and Mollie Merrell, Brinley, Kasynn, and Brecken Merrell, and Rush Wright, with two more due in 2026.
Dayton enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow throughout the years in the classroom, in activities, and in sports. Most of all, his greatest joy was watching members of his family come to know and accept Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Dayton was preceded in death by his parents Russell and Kathyrn Merrell, sister Joyce Cook of Kokomo, and niece Piper Placencia of Garrett, IN. He is survived by his brother Gary (Ruth) Merrell of Fort Wayne, brother-in-law Royce (Karen) Chambers of Galveston, brother-in-law Jerry Cook of Kokomo, as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
In lieu of flowers, Dayton requested that donations be made to Upper Deer Creek Church or Cross America https://crossamerica.net/donate/. He was anticipating the glorious day when he could finally see Jesus and thank Him for the suffering He endured on the cross for us. Services will be held at Upper Deer Creek Church, 5019 East, 1400 South, Galveston, IN 46932. Visitation will be Saturday, January 10, from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., with the funeral following at 2:00 pm. The service will be officiated by Pastor Joe Coffin and Pastor Mark Davis.
Murray-Weaver Funeral Home is honored to serve the Merrell Family. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com
Connie Sue Riggs
Born September 23, 1938, passed away December 23, 2025. Born and raised on a farm near Greentown, Indiana, Connie was known for her positive, faith-based outlook, quick wit, and deep love for her family. She was married to Jack Riggs for 60 years and faithfully supported him throughout his 23-year Air Force career, often managing family life on her own during his deployments.
Visitation will be Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12 noon at Shirley Brothers Fishers-Castleton Chapel, 9900 Allisonville Road, Fishers.
Beloved mother, she was predeceased by her husband Jack and her son Scott (Margaret). She is survived by her daughter Kay Rockel (Doug); her sons Craig (Lauren) and Andy (Cindy); 13 grandchildren; six grandchildren-in-law; and five great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Fishers United Methodist Church, 9691 East 116th Street, Fishers, IN 46037.
Connie Sue Riggs will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed.
Beulah Johnson
Beulah Johnson, age 92, of Tipton, passed away peacefully at The Waters of Tipton on January 2, 2026. She was born on July 8, 1933, in Ewing, Virginia, to Roy and Lillian (Noah) Brooks and lived in Ewing until she married. She graduated from Thomas Walker High School class of 1950 and went to work for F.W. Woolworth until her marriage to Walter Johnson in May 1955. They moved to Indiana in 1961.
She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age at Walnut Hill Baptist Church in Ewing and later moved her membership to Beech Grove Baptist Church in Tipton. She served in many capacities at Beech Grove throughout the years. If church was in session, she was there to help and serve wherever there was a need. She was a Proverbs 31:10-31 lady. She had a special gift using her hands, preparing food, making special crafts, sewing, and knitting. She had a ceramic shop at her home where she taught classes to many in the community. She was always busy doing for others.
Beulah was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband of 70-plus years, Walter. When you saw one of them, the other one was usually close by. They were known at the nursing home as “The Love Birds,” as they were always together and holding hands. She was also preceded in death by her parents Roy and Lillian Brooks along with two loving sisters Dorothy Parks and Betty Thomas.
She is survived by her most precious and devoted son Roy Michael Johnson and wife Robin of Greenfield, Indiana; three precious grandchildren Holly Allman and husband Gil Graham of Sheridan, Dana Delap and husband Charlie of Greenfield, and Kevin Johnson and wife Danielle of Westfield; and five adorable great-grandchildren Everett Graham, Emery Delap, Emerson Delap, Ellie Delap, and Harper Johnson.
Other survivors include a loving and devoted sister Alma Sutton and husband Bobby of Nashville, Tennessee; a precious aunt Pearl Moyers Dean of Virginia Beach, Virginia; special nieces and nephews Lynne Sutton and husband Mike, Megan and Shelby Sutton of Nashville, Tennessee, David Thomas and wife Tanya of Kingsport, Tennessee, Scott Sutton and wife Peggy, Curtis and Grayson of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, as well as a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and family members. The family would like to especially thank a special daughter/friend Debbie Bennington for all her support and care.
Beulah was special to all who knew her, and she loved the staff at the nursing home that took care of her and Walter. They were like family to her, and she fretted over them as her own and was always telling them how she loved them.
Beulah loved her family beyond measure, cherished every moment with each one, and was always ready and available for family together time. She was small in stature, but her heart was tremendous. Her love and devotion will forever live on in the hearts of her family and friends, and she usually ended her parting with “I Love You, Much, Much, Much.”
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, at the Beech Grove Baptist Church in Tipton with Revs. Adam Rinehart and Jimmy Hunt presiding. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery. Visitation will begin at the church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday prior to the service.
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.