Ronald "Barney" Eugene Pence, John E. Nantroup, John Robert Kinsella, Sharon Sue Brouillard, Heidi Vaughn, Orville Roger Lee, Helen Ardelia Bolin, LaRae Jonell Conwell, Nancy Joyce Young
Ronald “Barney” Eugene Pence
Ronald “Barney” Eugene Pence, 83 years old, of Mt. Juliet, TN, passed away 7:06 a.m. at home in Mt. Juliet, TN. He was born in Greentown, IN, on November 23, 1942, the son of the late Ralph and Bernice Pence. On April 8, 1984, he married Claudia Ann Meyers, and she preceded him in death on August 13, 2021.
Ron “Barney” Pence didn’t have a lot of words unless he knew you. His sense of humor, laughter, and wiggling mustache were just the beginning. Barney was creative. He had a lust for living life to the fullest, and he did just that. Barney didn’t just live, he built. Barney retired from GM as a welder. But the Kentucky Gambler Funny Car was his passion, outside his work and home. He was known in Sharpsville for his race car. People from miles away could hear Barney revving up the race car engine with his best friend Dan Nimmo almost daily. Barney taught himself woodworking skills. He built furniture for family and friends who will always cherish his craft. Barney also passed down his love for football to his grandson Collin. They would talk after every game about the good, the bad, and to basically taunt each other on whose team/player was better.
Speaking of family, Barney loved his family. He was a family man. Barney came from a big family; five siblings, including himself. His father Ralph and mother Bernice have passed, along with two siblings. Barney’s wife Claudia Pence and son Jamie Green preceded him in death as well.
In Barney’s last years, he resided in Tennessee with his daughter and son-in-law Kelli and David Thompson. Barney lived his last years doing what he loved: woodworking, building, and restoring older vehicles. He will be deeply missed by the ones he liked. There will never be another Barney Pence.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, January 9, 2026, at Stout & Son Funeral Home – Sharpsville Chapel, 204 North Church Street, Sharpsville, IN 46068. A funeral service celebrating Barney’s life will begin 1 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Sharpsville Cemetery. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
John E. Nantroup
It is with heavy hearts that we tell our family and numerous friends and neighbors that John E. Nantroup passed away on December 31, 2025, outside by his beloved garage. It was the perfect place to meet Jesus.
John was born on June 6, 1947, to Henry and Ruby Nantroup, in Austin, IN. He was one of 12 children. His family later moved to Tipton County. He met and married Janice E. Blackburn, and she is the mother of Jody, Jami, and Joene. They later divorced.
On May 17, 1985, John married Norma Lynn Taylor, and he became stepdad to her son Matthew Hayden. John and Norma were later blessed with a daughter Lindsay Marie Nantroup.
John retired from Continental Steel when they closed the doors, worked at Wilson Foods, and retired again from Kokomo Sanitary Pottery when they closed their doors. He always had a good work ethic and always provided for his family. He loved to hunt and fish and was looking forward to taking out the boat he had been working on all summer. He was always outside or in his “community” garage, hanging out with friends and family. He was very good at putting you to work if you were there more than a few minutes. Just ask any of them.
John loved cutting, splitting, and stacking wood, and there was always plenty of scraps for the firepit that always seemed to be burning. He and Norma were thankful for the warmth it gave them when it was cold. And there was more than enough wood for his HUGE campfires when camping with his family and friends. We all had to have a “John” fire. There were many Canadian fishing trips with his brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, and sometimes his friends were asked to go, too.
John, Norma, and Lindsay were blessed with many vacations to Gulf Shores, AL, where deep sea fishing was one of John’s favorite adventures. He had just talked about going this summer, if his health allowed. He was associated with Mt. Zion Free Methodist Church and often participated as the “Fire Master” at the annual Harvest Party. He was loved and accepted there and will never be forgotten. So many stories are left untold, and everyone can tell you one with a good laugh. He was a force to be reckoned with.
He is survived by his wife Norma, with 40½ years of marriage, children Susan Dickason, Jody Nantroup (Maggie), Matt Hayden, Jami Silvers (Roy), Joene Johnson (Russ), and Lindsay Nantroup, his beloved sister Clara Jenkins (Jerry), numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews on both sides of the family, and special friend Abby Springer.
John had a special bond with his wife’s siblings, and they will all cherish the times spent together. They are Kenny Taylor (Deb), Mike Abney (Sandy), Jill Bieber (Jamie), and Tony Hunter.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ray, Lawrence, Kenny, Robert, Harold, and Garold, sisters Janie, Bonnie, Rosie, and Helen “Beanie,” as well as mother-in-law Shirley Davis and brother-in-law Robert Abney.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Mt. Zion Free Meth. Church; 13048 S. 400 W. Kokomo, IN. 46901 in Miami County. Gathering of friends and family will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Celebration of Life will be at 2 p.m.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
John Robert Kinsella
John Robert Kinsella, 88, of McGrawsville, passed away at 10:15 AM, Sunday, January 4, 2026, at his residence. He was born in Peru on December 19, 1937, the son of John L. and Grace Collins Kinsella. John married Esther L. Powell on May 24, 1958, and she preceded him in death on January 9, 2022.
John was a 1956 graduate of Peru High School and an active member of the McGrawsville Community Church. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1957-1959 and was a member of The American Legion and the NRA. John worked as a night foreman for CR Metals and later retired from Wabash Magnetics.
John was an outdoor enthusiast who would use any excuse to go outside, whether it was mowing the yard, a family camping or fishing trip, bird watching while riding the gator around the family farm, or playing with his dogs that meant so much to him. He spent leisure time reading, woodworking, and studying history. Above all, family was the most important thing to John. He loved his grandkids and great-grandkids so much and enjoyed seeing them grow throughout life.
John is survived by his daughter Linda (Mark) Childers of Converse; grandchildren J.D. (Courtney) Ozminkowski of Peru, Aaron (Calee) Ozminkowski of Bunker Hill, David (Stephanie) Childers of Cutler, Eric (Kelsie) Childers of Converse, and Greg (Aly) Childers of Kokomo; great-grandchildren Ben, Sam, and Micah Childers, Abel Ozminkowski, Ryder Childers, Martin Chares (Childers), Audrina Freeman (Childers), Eli and Malia Ozminkowski, and Theo Childers. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Esther, his daughter Kathy Ozminkowski, and a cousin MaryAnn Aspinwall.
A memorial service celebrating the life of John Robert Kinsella will be held at 4:00 PM, Saturday, January 10, 2026, at McGrawsville Community Church, 9377 S 300 E, Amboy, IN, with Pastor Ryan Ramsy officiating. Family and friends will gather for visitation from 2:00 – 4:00 PM, Saturday, at the church. Burial will occur in the Santa Fe Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made through the funeral home to McGrawsville Community Church.
Sharon Sue Brouillard
Sharon Sue Brouillard, 81, Kokomo, passed away on Monday January 5, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born in Lebanon, IN, on December 19, 1944, the daughter of the late Virgil and Edith (Hickman) Barnett. She married Leo Brouillard in 1991 in Vero Beach, Florida, and he preceded her in death in 2010.
Sharon graduated from Western High School in 1962. She worked for the Indian River School System in Florida as a secretary for 18 years and at Western School Corporation. She had a way of connecting with the kids at the school and making an impact on their lives. When she moved back to Indiana, she worked for the Kokomo Housing Authority before she retired. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star-Russiaville Chapter. She enjoyed gardening, mowing, sewing, shopping, and baking. She loved spending time outdoors, but most of all she loved spending time with her family and watching her grandchildren at their sporting events.
Sharon is survived by her daughter Staci (Jeff) Cox; stepson Mario (Lise Ducheshe) Brouillard; grandchildren Kayla Tinsley and Dalton (Morgan) Tinsley; and great-grandchildren Alayah Johnston, Gabrielle Long, and Olivier Dubuc.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
A private celebration of life will take place at a later date. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Heidi Vaughn
Heidi Vaughn, 46, of Westfield, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, January 2, 2026, with her loving parents by her side. She was born on October 10, 1979, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to her mother Rosemary James Lewis and father Brent Vaughn.
Heidi, affectionately nicknamed TOAD by her mother, graduated from Terre Haute High School in the class of 2001. She faced many obstacles throughout her life, including living with cerebral palsy and enduring numerous surgeries to improve her quality of life. Through it all, Heidi always carried a resilient spirit and positive attitude that touched everyone around her. She was a social butterfly and never knew a stranger! Heidi loved being out and about exploring the world. She welcomed countless visitors while she was employed at Conner Prairie. Heidi most recently worked for Janis Developmental Center in Noblesville. In her down time, she enjoyed collecting dolphins and solving word finds.
Heidi is reunited with her beloved grandparents who absolutely adored her, as well as her chihuahua Pete, who was often her partner in crime. It is truly a blessing to know that Heidi is finally pain free and no longer confined to a wheelchair. As an organ donor, Heidi gave the gift of life through her liver and kidneys. She made a lasting impact during her time on this earth that will continue to live on!
Those left to carry on Heidi’s legacy of love are her mother and stepfather Rosemary & Charles Lewis and father Brent Vaughn.
Heidi was welcomed into Heaven by her grandparents Mehl & Mary Helen James, Charles & Iva Lou Lewis, and Wayne & Phyllis Johnson.
Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Heidi Vaughn in their time of need.
Orville Roger Lee
Orville Roger Lee, 87, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026, at his residence after failing health for several weeks.
He was born on October 16, 1938, in Minnesota, to Joseph George and Geneva Lucille (Boardman) Lee. He was a graduate of the Wisconsin Seventh Day Adventist Academy in Columbus, Wisconsin, Class of 1957. Roger served his country in the United States Army. He has lived in the Summitville area since 1980. He was plant manager at Little Lakes Industries formerly of Alexandria for 18 years. He retired from plant supervision at Chrysler in Kokomo after 10 years of employment. He had been an active member of the Anderson Seventh Day Adventist Church. Roger enjoyed playing the organ and was a member of the LIFE Club (Lowery Is Fun and Easy to play) organ club in Anderson. He was an avid roller skater. Roger was skilled at painting figurines, which he shared with family and friends. If Roger found out that you needed anything, he was usually quick to lend a hand. His warm smile will be sadly missed but warmly and fondly remembered.
He is survived by son Brent Lee of Anderson, five grandchildren, six step-grandchildren, brother Phillip (Sandy) Lee in Wisconsin, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, the mother of his children Bonnie Lee, his wife Joyce Lee, his wife Judy Lee, sons Barry Lee and Owen Lee, daughter Regina Lee, daughter-in-law Nancy Lee, and four siblings.
Roger’s care and simple cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Owens Funeral Home in Alexandria. Private inurnment services will take place in Vinson Memorial Cemetery in Summitville.
Helen Ardelia Bolin
Helen Ardelia Bolin, 67, of Peru, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at her home.
She was born on February 19, 1958, in Peru, Indiana, to Thomas and Phoebe (Webb) Bowers. Helen served in the United States Army. She was married to Timothy Bolin.
She is survived by her husband Timothy; children Nick Bowers of Peru, Justin (Heather) Bowers of Peru, Heather (Nicholas) Cramer of Crawfordsville, and Peter James “PJ” Bolin of Kokomo. Also surviving are seven grandchildren Brendan Tracy, Braydan Tracy, Justise Bowers, Journey Bowers, Xander Cramer, Leo Bolin, and Lainey Cramer, brother Tom (Cindy) Bowers of Peru, and sisters Sue (Tim) Maggart of Peru and Mary (Raphel) Leyva of Kokomo.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.
LaRae Jonell (Meidinger) Conwell
If you ever wondered what could be created from a scrap of wood or a piece of fabric when placed in the hands of a woman with unstoppable determination, the answer was always the same: anything, as long as LaRae Conwell was behind the project.
LaRae Jonell (Meidinger) Conwell was born on May 12, 1940, in Glendive, Montana. Her childhood was a patchwork quilt of places and experiences, stitched together across the states, with the longest chapter unfolding under the California sun in Long Beach, where she lived with her mother Gertrude E. (Bratton) Tedford.
During high school, a 14‑month stop in Kokomo, Indiana, changed everything. It was there she met her sweetheart Wilbur Paul Conwell, Jr.; a meeting that led to their marriage in August 1958 and years and years filled with memories and three children who adored her: Jana (Tim) Takacs, Tara Petty, and Greg (Carol) Conwell.
Her legacy continues through her grandchildren Danielle Petty and Cameron (Tori) Petty, who carry forward her creativity, humor, and love for living life to its fullest.
LaRae loved her family fiercely, her four‑legged companions tenderly, and her Lord faithfully. Church wasn’t just a place she attended; it was a community she nurtured. For years, she opened her home and her heart to host Bible studies, offering wisdom, warmth, and the kind of hospitality that made everyone feel like family.
On January 1, 2026, LaRae left this world, surrounded by her loved ones. She is now reunited with her mother Gertrude; her former husband Wilbur (Paul); and his parents. She will soon be laid to rest at Sunset Memory Garden in Kokomo, Indiana, where a private graveside ceremony will be held at a later date.
LaRae’s life was not defined by the places she lived, but by the love she gave, the things she created, and the faith that guided her. She leaves behind a family who will miss her forever.
Her hands made things.
Her heart built people.
And both will be felt for generations.
Nancy Joyce (Schwierking) Young
Nancy Joyce (Schwierking) Young, of Kokomo, passed away 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Primrose. She was born in Muncie, IN, the daughter of Charles R. and Sara Ellen (McClain) Schwierking. In October of 1998, she married Kenton “Kent” Young at Grace United Methodist Church in Kokomo, and he survives.
Nancy was a graduate of Burris High School in Muncie. She served a career as a self-employed interior designer for 45 years. She worked at Kirk’s Furniture in Carmel for 18 years as a designer and buyer. Nancy and her husband Kent designed and built a beautiful lake home on Lake Tippecanoe. Their favorite vacations were spent at Captiva Island. Nancy was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Kokomo, and she was active at the Kokomo Country Club P.E.O. Chapter – BU. Her hobbies were golfing, bowling, playing tennis, and cards.
In addition to her husband Kent, she is survived by her daughters Rori (Jim) Anderson of Westfield, IN, Julie (Mike) Padgett of Sharpsville, Sherri (Eric) Newkirk of Indianapolis, Kelly (Frank) Thornburg of Centerville; brothers C.R. Schwierking, of Phoenix, AZ, and S.S Schwierking of Rushville, IN; 12 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother R.J. Schwierking of Orlando, FL; and sister Marcia Ann Black of Seattle, WA.
Nancy’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Primrose Retirement Community for the love and special care she received from their team, Mandy, and Pam.
Private family services will be held. Inurnment will take place at Sunset Memory Garden in Kokomo. Contributions may be made in Nancy’s memory to Grace United Methodist Church or to Riley Children’s Research Hospital. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.