Obituaries, January 9, 2025

Written on 01/09/2026


Lois Ann Ousley, Richard “Rick” Allan Schmid, Joyce Ann Johnston, Marilyn Fortson Wall, Cathy L. McDermott (Rohrs), Jack Edward Countryman, Robert “Bob” Lee Woods, Sharon Kay Bagwell, Barbra Busch

Lois Ann Ousley

Lois Ann Ousley, 89, Kokomo, passed away at 9:34 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo. She was born in Elwood, IN, on August 8, 1936. She was the daughter of the late Thomas Small and Helen Jane (Brown) Bender. On August 21, 1954, she married Paris Ousley, and they were married for 50 years before his passing in 2004.

Lois was a 1954 graduate of Northwestern High School. She worked for Dr. Guin and then Dr. Fondak for more than 40 years before retiring at the age of 79. She was a long-time member of the Kokomo Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Lois loved to sing and in high school was the lead of her quartette, the Pepperettes, which had several television appearances. She also loved to play the piano, watch birds, and in her younger years, garden. She loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and is now peacefully resting next to her husband Paris, waiting for Christ’s second coming.

Lois is survived by her children Dr. Thomas Ousley, Dr. Teresa Saenz, and Dr. Carrie Ousley; grandson Jordan Ousley; and brother John (Cathy) Bender.

She was preceded in death by her parents, spouse Paris Ousley, brothers Claude Allen Small and Robert E. Small, and sister Mary Lou Bowers.

A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, with Pastor Keith Hannah officiating. Burial will follow at Galveston Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kokomo Seventh-Day Adventist Church Community Services, P.O. Box 2752, Kokomo, IN 46902. Messages of condolence may be made at www.shirleyandstout.com.



Richard “Rick” Allan Schmid

Richard “Rick” Allan Schmid, 69, of Greentown, Indiana, passed away January 7, 2026. He was born on January 23, 1956, in Kokomo, Indiana, the son of Joseph Edward and Alice J. (Riley) Schmid. He married the love of his life Lisa (Hall) Schmid on November 30, 1985, and they spent 40 wonderful years together. Rick was a proud member of the IOUE for 40 years. He was a 1974 graduate of Haworth High School. In 2014, he retired from E & B Paving as an asphalt superintendent.

He loved riding motorcycles and lived his life to the fullest extent possible. He was a bit of a daredevil and raced motorcycles from a very young age and well beyond. He loved riding motorcycles with his oldest daughter Ericka. Rick never missed a softball game and never missed his daughters’ games as a spectator and a coach. Rick loved watching Samantha play the trumpet in the high school band. Spending time with his family was a true passion, and he cherished every minute. One of his favorite pastimes was spending time at the Water Buffalo meetings, solving all that ails the world.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife Lisa; two beautiful daughters Ericka (Austin) Mills and Samantha (Justin) Stout; sister Mary (Steve) Long; brother Kermit Schmid; and many, many friends.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved dog Rowlf.

“I know my old buddy The Great Rowlf O’ Pepper will be there waiting for me.”

Visitation will take place at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 W. Alto Road, Kokomo on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until the start of funeral services at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery.



Joyce Ann Johnston

Joyce Ann Johnston, 68, of Greentown, passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Community Howard Regional Health Hospital in Kokomo. She was born June 25, 1957, in Kokomo, the daughter of the late Robert and Erma (Dowden) Graf.

Joyce was a 1975 graduate of Haworth High School. She retired as a cook after 15 years of service. Joyce was a member of UAW Local 685. She enjoyed gardening, making stained glass, cross-stitching, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Joyce is survived by her children Jeremy Johnston and Traci (Travis Farris) Johnston; grandchildren Bailey Horoho, Cori Johnston, Harley Lawrence, Dakota (Christine Arnet) Lawrence, Tyler Johnston, Rachael Johnston, and Emily Johnston; step-grandchildren Jayden Roberts-Jameson and Dakota Roberts; great-grandchildren Serenity Brown and Oakleigh Lawrence; siblings Bob (Donna) Graf and Ron (Laurie Cameron) Graf; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her brother Tim Graf.

A celebration of Joyce’s life will take place on January 24, 2026, from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. in the chapel at Century Villa, 705 N. Meridian St., Greentown. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.



Marilyn Fortson Wall

Marilyn Fortson Wall, age 74, of Bristol, went peacefully to be with her Lord on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at United Hospital Center, surrounded by the love of her family.

Marilyn was born on January 29, 1951, in Roswell, New Mexico, the beloved daughter of the late Harold Ray Fortson and Marjorie Marie Cook Fortson. She was a woman of quiet strength, deep faith, and a generous heart who devoted her life to loving and caring for those around her.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 27 years Timothy “Tim” Wayne Wall, who passed on October 1, 2025, as well as her beloved son Eric Wayne Wall. Though her heart carried these losses, Marilyn continued to pour love into her family and lived with grace and perseverance.

Marilyn leaves behind a legacy of love through her children Lindsay Grove and husband Robert “Rob,” Matthew Fortson and wife Amanda, and Brian Wall. She was a proud and adoring grandmother to 11 grandchildren: Jamin, Liam, Taylin, and Cadia Grove; Hannah, Brayden, Leah, and Sarah Fortson; and Athena, Mason, and Jasper Wall, each of whom held a special place in her heart. She is also survived by her brothers Ronald Fortson and wife Claudia of Anthem, Arizona, and Robert Fortson and wife Pam of Kokomo, Indiana, along with several cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A graduate of Kokomo High School in Kokomo, Indiana, Marilyn dedicated more than 20 years of faithful service to Lockheed Martin, where she retired from Quality Control. Her work ethic reflected her character—dependable, diligent, and full of integrity.

In her quieter moments, Marilyn found joy in crocheting, creating handmade treasures that will be lovingly kept by her family. Above all else, she treasured time spent with her children and grandchildren, finding her greatest happiness in their laughter and presence.

In keeping with her wishes, Marilyn will be cremated. Online condolences may be shared at www.DavisFuneralHomesalemWV.com. Davis Funeral Home is honored to assist the Wall family during this time.

Marilyn’s life was a beautiful testimony of faith, love, and devotion. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.



Cathy L. McDermott (Rohrs)

Cathy L. McDermott (Rohrs), 66, of Kokomo, passed away on January 6, 2026, at her residence. She was born on July 10, 1959, in Bryan, Ohio, to the late Paul Rohrs and Donna (Moden) Rohrs, and she survives. Cathy married Michael McDermott on December 30, 1983 in Kokomo, and he survives.

Cathy was a homemaker. She enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, and spending time with family, especially her grandchildren. Family was very important to her. Cathy also enjoyed hiking, and her all-time favorite place to go was the beach. She was a member of Bible Baptist Church and was heavily involved with working with AWANA children’s ministry. Cathy wanted to glorify God, and she put her trust in forgiveness of sins in the death of Christ.

Cathy is survived by her loving husband of 42 years Michael; four children Adam (Mary) McDermott, Rachelle (Kyle) Chapman, Hannah (Jared) Treadway, and Aaron McDermott; grandchildren Elliana Spence, Kristopher Spence, Adelyn Chapman, Gracelyn Treadway, Enoch Treadway, and Lydia Treadway; mother Donna Rohrs; siblings Joan (Kevin) Salsbury, Steve (Sonya) Rohrs), Gary (Nancy) Rohrs, and Kenny Rohrs; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding in death is her father Paul Rohrs; sister-in-law Paula Rohrs; and grandson Kaden Orr.

There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date for Cathy at Bible Baptist Church, 2635 South Dixon Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. Pastor Keith Treadway will be officiating. Burial will take place at Mound Cemetery.



Jack Edward Countryman

Jack Edward Countryman, 78, Greensburg, Indiana, formerly of Kokomo, passed away Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at his home. He was born August 2, 1947, in Kokomo, the son of the late Harold E. & Doris L. (Brunk) Countryman.

Jack was a 1965 graduate of Northwestern High School. In 1969, he graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and then went on to receive his master’s in psychology and a Psychometry certification. He retired in 2007 after 20 years of service from Decatur County Schools as their school Psychologist and oversaw the school’s Macintosh computer system. He also volunteered as an EMT for a few years.

Jack was an avid reader. He was passionate about Apple computers and Macintosh computers. He regularly attended the Apple members meetings and the swap meets. In his earlier years, he was very active in spelunking and was a member of rescue teams. Jack was also a member of Mensa, which is an international high-IQ society for people who score in the top two percent of the general population on a standardized intelligence test. He enjoyed bicycling and participated in many “Century rides,” along with canoeing and kayaking.

Jack is survived by his siblings Jayne (Stephen) Newton of Greentown and James “Jim” (Linda) Countryman of Port Orange, Florida; nephews Justin (Janelle) Newton of Terre Haute, Jeremy Newton of Lafayette, Conor Countryman of Denver, CO, and Colton (Victoria) Countryman of Port Orange, FL; great-niece Christina Newton; great-nephews Charles Newton and the newest great-nephew Callum Countryman; and cousins Glen Brunk, Jennifer LaBerge, Karri Lang, Eric Casper, Diane Wiedenoff, and Andy Countryman. Jack was a devoted, loving cat dad and left behind his feline fur babies, a grey calico cat and Sassy, who was a yellow long hair cat.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; brother Danny; cousins John Brunk and William Countryman, along with his grandparents.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date in Greenlawn Cemetery, Greentown. Memorial contributions may be made in Jack’s memory to a humane society near you or the Indiana Wildlife Federation, indianawildlife.org. Hasler & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.



Robert “Bob” Lee Woods

Robert “Bob” Lee Woods, 86, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida.

Bob was born on November 24, 1939, in Tipton, Indiana, where he was raised alongside his parents Robert J. Woods and Evelyn M. Woods and his sister Lana Danner, all of whom preceded him in death. In his childhood, he spent his summers attending Culver Military Academy, and upon his graduation from Tipton High School, he attended Purdue University before beginning a long and dedicated career with Pioneer Hi-Bred International.

In 1960, Bob began with Pioneer Seed Corn, and in 1972 he helped establish Pioneer’s Beef Cattle Division in Tipton, Indiana. He later continued this work in Des Moines, Iowa, until 1976. He then transitioned back to the Seed Corn Division and moved to Homestead, Florida, in 1978 when Pioneer began winter farming operations there. Subsequently, he managed the North Fort Myers, Florida, plant and later retired with Pioneer in Plainview, Texas, in 1999.

Bob was a kind and gentle man with a huge heart. He had a quiet, steady way of caring for others, listening without judgment and offering comfort. Along with his calm presence, he had a wonderful sense of humor and loved practical jokes, bringing laughter to his family and friends throughout his life. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, and traveling, especially cruises. He was a lifetime member of the Elks. Above all, Bob loved his children and grandchildren deeply and took great joy in his family.

He is survived by his wife Nancy Woods, of Jacksonville, Florida; his daughter Belinda Woods Smith, her fiancé Robert Cornette of Brooksville, Florida, and her daughter Taryn Bruck; great-grandchildren Colton and Lily Bruck; his son Robert T. Woods of Wheaton, Illinois, his wife Jennifer, and their children Kelsey and Caleb Woods; his son Matthew Woods of Lake Worth, Florida, his wife Erica, and their daughters Taylor, Rylee, and Paisley Woods; his daughter Natalee Woods of Fort Myers, Florida, and her children Kezmin, Jakhai, Isaiah, and Iryana Davis; his stepson Tom Newell of Tomahawk, Wisconsin, and his children Hunter, Griffin, and Ella Newell; and his stepdaughter Kim Sullivan, of Jacksonville, Florida, her husband Tommy, and their children, Emily, Mackenzie, and Jackson Sullivan.

Bob’s gentle spirit, steady presence, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Community Hospice and Palliative Care, an organization that provided him exceptional comfort and care, at thefoundationcares.org.



Sharon Kay Bagwell

Sharon Kay Bagwell, a beacon of warmth and kindness, passed away on December 22, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on January 14, 1947, Sharon’s life was a testament to a selfless spirit and a kind-hearted soul.

Residing in Kokomo, Indiana, Sharon was loved by family and friends alike. Her legacy is carried on by her daughters Leigh Ann Melby (Robert W. Jr.) and Paige Hoover (Jeff), and cherished through her precious grandchildren Lindsay Sebesky, James Sloan, Nicolas Hoover, and Madison Hoover, along with her many great-grandchildren. She is fondly remembered by her surviving brothers Larry Baker, Michael Baker (Cathy), and Randall Baker (Donna).

Sharon is now reunited with her beloved husband Robert Bagwell Jr., her parents Charles Leroy Baker and Vivian Faye (Willis) Baker, as well as her siblings Wanda Baker, Maudie Baker Faucett, Marilyn McKinney, and Seth Leroy Baker, and niece Belinda Arredondo.

A woman who brought light into every room, she was known for her love as a grandma and great-grandma. Going to church with her brother was a cherished pastime, reflecting her deep-rooted connection with her faith as she attended Hillside Missionary Baptist. Sharon’s home was a sanctuary filled with the sounds of ‘70s and ‘80s music, the soft hum of crochet hooks, and the clattering of puzzle pieces. Her love for genealogy and sewing was evident in the stories woven through her family’s history and the garments crafted by her skilled hands. Her affection for dogs added warmth and joy to her household.

A graveside service will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Riley Children’s Health, an organization Sharon held dear to her heart.



Barbra Busch

Barbra Busch, a devoted mother, grandmother, and woman of unwavering faith, passed away on December 14, 2025, surrounded by the family she spent her life building and protecting.

Barbra’s greatest legacy is her family. As the proud mother of seven children, she was the North Star for her household. That family only continued to grow, and Barbra took immense joy in her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. To Barbra, family wasn’t just a part of life—it was her entire world.

She was a woman of deep, God-fearing faith, which served as the foundation for her strength. Anyone who knew Barbra also knew her “smart mouth.” She never hesitated to speak her mind or offer a sharp-witted remark when it was called for. Yet, beneath that feisty exterior was the most caring person you could ever hope to meet. She had a rare way of being your fiercest protector and your honest truth-teller all at once.

Barbra is survived by: her seven children Glenna, Matt, Gary, Chris, Racheal, Harley, and Jessica; her many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a community of friends who will miss her spirit and her kindness.

She has been reunited in peace with her mother Shirley, her father Glenn, and her brother Frank.