Richard Gene "Dick" Rominger, Jennalee Appleton, Kent Allen Beard, Shirley Jean Lawson, Sergio Flores Verdad Ixta, Mona Lee Martin Swinehart, Maurice Gene Ingram, Jane Ann Tochterman
Richard Gene “Dick” Rominger
Richard Gene “Dick” Rominger, age 82, of Kokomo and formerly of Elwood, entered into the arms of his Savior on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Wesleyan Health and Rehab in Marion, lovingly surrounded by his family after an extended illness. Born June 27, 1943, in Elwood, Dick was the cherished son of Lindle Logan and Martha Ilene (Ulery) Rominger. On December 30, 1962, he married his devoted wife Madea Deanna McCullough, and together they built a legacy of love throughout more than 63 years of marriage. Dick was a man of unwavering faith, a devoted member of Citadel of Faith Ministry, and was honored to be baptized and ordained as a Deacon in 2017.
His love for the Lord was evident in the way he cared for his family, served his church, and lived each day with gratitude and compassion. Proud to serve his country, Dick joined the Navy Reserves before joining the United States Army and remained a steadfast supporter of the military. He dedicated over 30 years as an electronics component assembler for Delco Remy, retiring in 1998.
Dick was also a lifetime member of the Elwood Conservation Club and the National Rifle Association. He found joy in God’s creation-hunting, fishing, target shooting, and spending time outdoors. Summers were often spent camping with his beloved family, and he delighted in raising his three special mules Abby, Buckwheat, and Rusty. Dick’s perseverance, strong work ethic, and gentle spirit touched all who knew him. Above all, he will be remembered as a faithful Christian, a loving husband, devoted father, and cherished grandfather.
Dick is survived by his wife Madea Deanna Rominger of Kokomo; three sons Richard G. Rominger Jr. of Titusville, FL, Matthew G. (Melissa D.) Rominger of Sevierville, TN, and Brian L. Rominger of Walton, IN; three siblings Gary (Teresa) Rominger of Indianapolis, Ronnie (Martha) Rominger, and Laura (Tim) Beeman of Elwood; 16 grandchildren Devin Blackford (Jennifer), Tiffany Rominger (Austin), Myriah (Ryan) Penfield, Trisha Rumler, Jesse Rominger (Kayleen), Matthew “J.P.” Rominger, Aaron Rominger, Cody Rominger, Selena (Jobani) Yumul, Cheyenne (Bogdan) Narushev, Kayla Runyan, Amber Runyan, Haley Rominger, Mariyah Rominger, Larissa Rominger, and Miracle Rominger; 19 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Dick is preceded in death by his parents; stepmother Wilma Rominger; two brothers Larry (wife Andrea) Rominger and Charley Rominger; daughter-in-law Candice Rominger; and great-grandson Cameron.
A funeral service celebrating Dick’s life and faith will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood, with Suffragon Bishop Minor of Citadel of Faith Ministry. Military honors by the U.S. Army and Elwood V.F.W will take place following the service at the funeral home. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service from 1 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to The Muscular Dystrophy Association or the American Cancer Society. Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.
Jennalee Appleton
Jennalee Appleton, 91, of Fairview, TN, went home to be with Jesus Monday, January 5, 2026, at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo. She was born November 5, 1934, to Willard J. and Rowina F. (Campbell) McCloskey in Flora, Indiana. She married Gene A. Appleton on May 31, 1953, in Deercreek, Indiana, and he preceded her in death February 1, 2009.
Jennalee was a homemaker and worked for General Motors as a secretary for a few years. She was a wonderful cook and loved her family dearly. She enjoyed music, playing the piano, and golf.
Surviving family include her children Barry Gene Appleton and wife Tamara of Kokomo, and Dawn Rene Bowen of Fairview, Tennessee. Her grandchildren are Heather Clement, Amber Weaver, Jeremy Johnson Leslie Stevens, Elizabeth Bowen, Grant Appleton and Evan Appleton. Great-grandchildren include Jackson Weaver, Ruby Weaver, Bennett Weaver, Oliver Clement, and Lydia Grace Stevens. She is also survived by one sister-in-law Perietta Appleton of Franklin, Indiana. Jennalee is preceded in death by her parents, husband Gene, and siblings Wilma Jean Willy, Dorothy Fulton, and Ed McCloskey.
A celebration of Jennalee’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 9, 2026, at One Church, 2734 S. Washington Street, in Kokomo, with Pastor Garey Miller officiating. Friends may visit at the Church prior to services from 12:00 noon until service time at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Center Cemetery in Cass County.
Murray Weaver Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com
Kent Allen Beard
Kent Allen Beard passed away December 27, 2025. He was born on April 28,1960.
A memorial service will be held for Kent on Sat., Jan. 10, at 11 a.m. at Bluitt & Son Funeral Home, 511 E. Monroe St., Kokomo.
Shirley Jean Lawson
Shirley Jean Lawson, age 70, of Kokomo, passed away peacefully following a hard-fought battle with cancer at 8:10 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Copper Trace in Westfield. She was born on March 20, 1955, to the late Wayne R. and Wanita S. (Roth) Mast. On June 15, 2006, in Brown County, Indiana, Shirley married James Alan Lawson, who survives.
Shirley was a 1973 graduate of Haworth High School and earned her associate degree from Ivy Tech. She dedicated many years of service to her community, working as an office manager at Ivy Tech for 10 years, working with Emergency Radio Services (ERS) for 20 years, and later retiring from Community Howard Regional Health after 15 years. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Greentown Chapter. Shirley was a true social butterfly who never met a stranger. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, watching crime shows, and staying busy. She loved people and giving back through volunteering with the women’s shelter, We Care, and the Kokomo High School Band concessions.
Along with her husband Alan, Shirley is survived by her daughters Samantha (Godwin) King and Danielle (Ricky) Swims; her grandchildren Ayden King, Arlonzo King Anderson, Isiah Howard, Ricky Swims Jr., Emmeline Swims, Joshua Jones, Joseph Aaron, Joshua Aaron, and Jacob Aaron; as well as several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Linda Biddle.
A funeral service celebrating Shirley’s life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 West Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Devon Cole officiating. Burial will take place in Mast-Hensler Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Shirley’s memory to Open Arms Women’s Shelter. Checks may be made payable to the Kokomo Rescue Mission, with “Open Arms” noted in the memo line. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Sergio Flores Verdad Ixta
Sergio Flores Verdad Ixta, 38, passed away on January 4, 2026, in Oak Park, Illinois. He was born on August 4, 1987, in Mexico City, Mexico. Sergio radiated warmth and joy throughout his life, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
Sergio spent his early childhood in Toluca, Mexico, before moving to Kokomo, Indiana, at the age of 10. This life-changing transition gave him the unique gift of growing up immersed in both Mexican and American cultures, surrounded by family and friends who loved him across many parts of the world. As a little boy, he was deeply cherished by his parents and remembered as a rambunctious, fun-loving child who enjoyed riding his bike, playing games, and spending time with those closest to him.
During his middle and high school years, Sergio discovered a passion for music. He was a dedicated percussionist, playing in both concert and marching band at Western High School in Russiaville, Indiana. Those who knew him as a teenager remember his bubbly personality, infectious energy, and playful, silly nature. Rock music quickly became a defining part of his life—often heard blasting from his bedroom or echoing from the basement as he played his drum set.
Sergio went on to pursue higher education at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, where he earned a degree in Organizational Leadership and Development. His academic journey reflected his commitment to personal growth and his natural ability to connect meaningfully with others.
Later in life, Sergio found profound happiness with his beloved fiancé, Karla Muñoz. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Karla was the light of his life, helping him blossom into the very best version of himself. Whether attending concerts, sharing incredible meals, caring for their two Goldendoodle puppies (Marco and Polo), being silly together, or exploring new places, their bond brought him immense joy. Rock music remained close to his heart, and he could often be found enthusiastically jamming to head-banging tunes while driving from place to place.
Sergio also treasured time spent with his cherished friends and family and took great delight in discovering new restaurants, savoring his favorite coffee drinks, and exploring all that his beloved city of Chicago had to offer —simple pleasures made meaningful when shared with loved ones.
Sergio is lovingly remembered by his father Sergio Flores Verdad Estrada; his mother Blanca Flores Verdad Ixta; his sister Paola Willmore; his brother-in-law Tim Willmore; and his nieces Emma and Madeline Willmore. He is deeply missed by his fiancée Karla Muñoz, his loyal fur babies Marco and Polo, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Fiercely loyal, caring, loving, and joyful—these words only begin to capture the essence of Sergio’s spirit. His memory will live on in the hearts of those whose lives he touched. May his memory bring comfort and peace to all who mourn his passing.
Mass will be held in Sergio’s honor on Tues., Jan. 13, from 10:30-11:15 a.m. at St. Giles Catholic Church, 1045 Columbian Ave., Oak Park, IL.
Mona Lee Martin Swinehart
Mona Lee Martin Swinehart, 89, died January 5, 2026, at her home in the Primrose Retirement Community in Kokomo, Indiana. She was born on June 27, 1936, in Glasgow, Montana, to Verne Oliver Martin and Carolyn Yetta Clark Martin.
She resided with her parents in many cities including Miami, Florida; Roundup, Montana; Arvada and Kremmling, Colorado; and Anchorage, Alaska, and then with her husband David and children in Seattle, Washington, and Kokomo, Indiana.
She graduated in 1954 from Anchorage High School, attended the University of Washington (Seattle) and graduated from IUPUI (Indianapolis and Kokomo) with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Elementary Education in 1976 and 1979, respectively. Mona taught for Taylor Community Schools for 26 years, with six of those years as a reading teacher at Indian Heights Elementary School. She traveled to Russia, China, and England, gathering information about their schools and education systems.
Mona met David Calvin Swinehart when they attended the University of Washington Student Assembly, where they were delegates representing their student housing organizations. They were married on March 16, 1956, at Zion American Lutheran Church in Seattle, Washington, had four sons, and remained together for 66 years until David’s death on February 12, 2022.
The family moved from Seattle, Washington, to Kokomo, Indiana, in 1970, where she lived in the same house for 55 years, often reading or playing the piano. After retirement, she and David loved going on cruises and exploring new countries.
Mona served in many capacities at Christ Lutheran Church, including as Sunday School teacher, church choir member, and nine years on the church council. She was a member of Women’s Group, she enjoyed sewing with her friends in the church’s quilting group, and she loved lunches with the widows group.
Mona delivered meals for Meals on Wheels with David and worked with the League of Women Voters of Howard County.
Mona is survived by her five siblings Janet, Vikki, Eric Martin, John Martin, and April; her four sons Roger in Evansville, Indiana, Ronald (Eileen Breslin) in Bloomington, Minnesota, Kenneth (Raye Jean Simpson) in Holland, Michigan, and Gary (Maryanne Berto) in Redding, California; and her nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Christ Lutheran Church, 3401 S. Dixon Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Gladys Nwabah officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 9-11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made in Mona’s memory to the Literacy Coalition of Kokomo-Howard County, 901 S. Courtland Ave., Kokomo, IN 46901 or online at www.literacycoalition.com/donate. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Maurice Gene Ingram
Maurice Gene Ingram, 90 of Kokomo, Indiana, formerly of Westville and Clearwater, Florida, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026, at his home. He was born January 17, 1935, in Scotland, Illinois, to Charles and Marguerite (Newcomb) Ingram. On August 8, 1959, he married Carol Backs, who passed away May 27, 1990. Later, on June 30, 2001, Morry married Peggy Ann Neill, who survives. He is also survived by his children James (Debi) Ingram of Westville, Charles (Sheryl) Ingram of Westville, Kathy Caulder of Kokomo, Indiana, and Michael (Leigh) Norton of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and his sister Martha Phillips of Scotland, Illinois. In addition to his first wife Carol, Morry was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers.
He was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of the Masonic Lodge #127. He spent most of his life working as a truck driver.
A memorial service will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 17, at Newhard Funeral Home in Westville. Janice Buchanon will officiate. Private interment will be in Pinhook Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 9:00 AM until the time of services. Memorial contributions can be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation.
Jane Ann Tochterman
Jane Ann Tochterman, a beloved educator, devoted family member, and kind-hearted soul, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family, in Indianapolis on January 3, 2026. Jane was born on February 2, 1955, in Kokomo, Indiana, to the late Harold & Joan LaRowe. Jane lived a life filled with love, laughter, and the joy of nurturing those around her.
After graduating from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in education, Jane dedicated more than 42 years of her life to teaching elementary education with the Taylor School Corporation in Howard County. Her commitment to fostering the minds of young learners was evident, and she brought a spark of enthusiasm and warmth to her classrooms that inspired countless students.
Jane was a member of Greentown Wesleyan Church for more than 50 years, serving the church in many ways, including secretary, Sunday School teacher, and a member of the church board. She then transitioned to be a member of Stones Crossing Church (Greenwood, IN) in 2023 after moving to the southside of Indianapolis to be closer to her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren.
As a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Jane embraced her family with unwavering support and affection. It was a rare sight to find her absent from her grandchildren’s activities. She proudly wore her school “swag” to cheer on her grandkids, always ensuring they felt the full force of her encouragement. Her presence in their lives was a testament to her dedication as a grandmother who cherished every moment spent with her family. Jane’s faith was unwavering throughout her whole life, but even more so after receiving her cancer diagnosis more than 3½ years ago, defying many odds along her journey.
Jane’s generous spirit defined her as a true “giver” who made it her mission to look after the well-being of others. Always putting the needs of family and friends before her own, she approached life with kindness and gentleness, never meeting a stranger. Whether it was lending a hand to those in need or simply providing a listening ear, she jumped into action with a heart full of compassion.
In her personal time, Jane found pleasure in the simple joys of life. She adored gardening, carefully tending to her beloved flowers, and the beauty they brought to her surroundings reflected her nurturing nature. Her culinary talents were equally impressive. Jane was particularly proud of her famous sugar cookie recipe, a closely guarded treasure in her kitchen. She delighted in cooking and baking, and her skill in canning green beans, corn, and tomatoes ensured her family enjoyed home-grown goodness throughout the winter months. And let’s not forget her love of Vanilla Coke, a small pleasure that brought her joy.
Jane is survived by her loving husband of 50 years John Tochterman; children Andrew (Sarah) Tochterman and Amanda (Jacob) Medlen, grandchildren Dylan, Jackie, and Luke Tochterman, and Carson and Ryleigh Medlen; brothers Louis (Karen) LaRowe and David (Linda) LaRowe; sisters-in-law Penny Tochterman and Pat (Bill) Burns, along with many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life service for Jane is planned for Monday, February 2, her birthday, at Stones Crossing Church in Greenwood, IN. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Greentown Wesleyan Food Bank (https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=8f18e716-d8e8-49cd-8bb8-c791685cb737) or the Stones Crossing Church Missions (https://stonescrossing.com/missions) should you feel compelled.
Jane leaves behind a legacy of love, nurturing, and an abiding commitment to education and family. Her memory will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her, and her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, reminding them of the warmth she brought into their lives. Jane Ann Tochterman, while no longer with us in person, will always be remembered for her gentle soul and the boundless love she shared with the world.
Please visit www.orileybranson.com to leave a memory of Jane or to sign our online guestbook.