Dr. David Jerome Reith, Janice Weaver, Janith “Jan” Clare (Lindley) Baird, Christopher Joseph Wright, Joy (Powers) Cochran, Connie Dianne (Quier) Keyser, Michael Donald “Mike” McKillip
Dr. David Jerome Reith
Dr. David Jerome Reith, 84, of Kent, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at UH Portage Medical Center. He was born in Kokomo, IN, on February 7, 1941, to the late Joseph and Marion Reith.
David was a Geography Professor at multiple universities and retired from Baldwin Wallace University. He was a member of University Parish Newman Center and the Streetsboro Chapter of the Knights of Columbus, where he was a 4th Degree Knight. He enjoyed HAM radios and was a member of the Portage County Radio Club and the Quarter Century Wireless Association. David was an avid Notre Dame sports fan and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Joseph and Tommy Reith.
David leaves his loving wife Mary Joan Reith, whom he married in 1963; son and daughter-in-law John and Sonya Reith; granddaughter Madison; and niece Kimberlee (Tim) Miller.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 10:00AM at University Parish Newman Center, 1424 Horning Rd. Kent, OH 44240, with the Rev. Fr. William Wainio as Celebrant. Burial will take place at Albright Cemetery in Kokomo, IN.
Services in the care of Bissler and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.
Janice Weaver
Janice Weaver, a devoted Christian and beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, went home to be with the Lord on January 26, 2026, at the age of 85. Though we mourn her passing, we rejoice in her assurance of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Janice lived her life grounded in faith, love, and service. Her loving spirit, unwavering trust in God, and heartfelt prayers touched everyone who knew her. She found great joy in serving others and volunteering throughout her life.
She began her faith journey as a deaconess in the Lutheran Church, marched with Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma, and faithfully served as the mother of three boys. Later, she returned to the university to earn her master’s degree and begin her second career as a librarian. She served the Kokomo library system for many years until her retirement in 2005.
In retirement, Janice continued her life of service as a missionary in Africa, working in school libraries in Cameroon, Rwanda, Uganda, and others. After returning to the United States, she remained devoted to helping others through a nonprofit organization she founded.
She is lovingly remembered by her three sons Eric (Jennifer), Keith (Ruby), and Paul (Jill); her sister and brother Marlene (Gary) Sheetz and Larry Hartman; her grandchildren Jonathan, Nathaniel, Elizabeth, Elijah, Hannah, Caroline, and Jeremiah; as well as many extended family, neighbors, and friends.
A celebration of life service will be held Friday, January 30, at Conkle Funeral Home in Avon, IN. Viewing is from 4-6 p.m. with a service immediately following at 6 p.m. A short graveside service will follow on Saturday from 2-2:30 p.m. at Galveston Cemetery in Galveston, IN.
Flowers are welcome, as well as donations to Moyo Missions Uganda, Moyo.org.
Janith “Jan” Clare (Lindley) Baird
Janith “Jan” Clare (Lindley) Baird, 83, of Kokomo, passed away 1:42 a.m. Sunday, January 25, 2026, at St. Vincent 86th Street Hospital in Indianapolis, IN. She was born in Kokomo, IN, on June 22, 1942, the daughter of the late Herman and Beulah (Carow) Lindley. Her life companion is Davey Mendez. They shared more than 30 years together, and he survives.
Jan was a 1960 graduate of Western High School. She formerly worked at Delco Electronics and at the Howard County Sherriff’s Department for three years as a matron. Her career was spent serving the City of Kokomo as clerk, secretary, foreman, lab technician, officer manager, and inventory. She retired after 38 years of service. Jan will be remembered for being the most caring and generous lady. She was a social butterfly who never met a stranger. Her favorite hobbies were camping, fishing, baking, and sewing. She was very creative and often wrote poetry and short stories. Jan was the best caretaker of her family and everybody she crossed paths with.
In addition to her companion Davey, Jan is survived by her daughter Dawn Scircle; grandson Michael (Ashley) Scircle; great-grandson Emmett Scircle; bonus children Judy Bowlin, Daniel Mendez; bonus grandchildren AJ Bowlin, Zack Bowlin, David Bowlin; several nieces and nephews; and a large extended family of her significant other’s whom she considered as her own family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Frances Lindley, Thomas Lindley, and Carol (James) Bowlin; and grandchildren Nick Bowlin and Tevan Mendez.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, January 30, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. A funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the funeral home with Rev. Fr. Peter Vanderkolk, the celebrant. Burial will follow in Crown Point Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Jan’s memory to the Veterans Association of America, Inc. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Christopher Joseph Wright
Christopher Joseph Wright, known affectionately as Chris to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026, in his hometown of Kokomo, IN, at the age of 47. Born on November 3, 1978, to Robert J. Pickard and Lisa Wright, Chris’s life was one marked by passion, intelligence, and a wonderful sense of humor that endeared him to all who knew him.
Chris’s early years were spent in the familiar surroundings of Kokomo, where he discovered his love for music and sports. He could often be found at Northside Park, playing baseball with a competitive spirit and a team-focused attitude. As he grew, his interests evolved, and he became known for his musical talent, playing various instruments and sharing his love for music with those around him. Chris also had a keen mind for chess, a game that allowed him to express his strategic thinking and patience.
In his later years, Chris experienced a profound personal transformation, embracing Christianity with fervor and dedication. He found solace and strength in studying the Bible, and his faith became a cornerstone of his life. Chris’s family and friends witnessed a man who lived his beliefs with authenticity and grace.
Chris was a man of many talents, often referred to as a jack of all trades. His ability to fix and build was not just a hobby but a testament to his resourcefulness and creativity. He shared a special bond with his beloved dog Dessie, who was a constant companion and source of joy in his life.
He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with his daughter Ashlyn Wright and her mother Lacey Rhinebarger. Chris’s life was enriched by the close relationships he maintained with his brothers Andy Wright (Whitney), Charlie Wright (Kimberly), Michael Wright (Kylie), and Jimmy Smith, as well as his sisters Lisa Wright and Jessica Smith. His mother Lisa Wright and stepfather Lee Hollingsworth will remember Chris as a devoted son who brought light into their lives. His dear friend Arielle Grawey will miss the laughter and deep conversations they shared.
Chris was preceded in death by his father Robert J. Pickard, and his grandparents, who instilled in him the values of family and faith that he carried throughout his life.
A man of deep convictions and a heart full of love, Chris Wright’s memory will be treasured by all who were fortunate enough to know him. His laughter, wisdom, and the melodies he created will resonate with us forever. As we say goodbye to Chris, we celebrate a life lived with purpose and the indelible mark he left on the hearts of those he touched.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Joy (Powers) Cochran
Joy (Powers) Cochran, of Kokomo, IN, passed away on January 25, 2026, in Kokomo, IN, at the age of 93, following a short illness. She and her deceased husband Bill (BIlly) Cochran were natives of Dickenson County, VA.
Graveside services for both will be held at a later date, and they will be interred together at Forest Hills Memory Gardens in Abingdon, VA. In lieu of flowers the family suggests sending monetary donations in memory of Joy to The Alzheimer’s Association online at donorservices.alz.org or to Alzheimer’ Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.
Connie Dianne (Quier) Keyser
Connie Dianne (Quier) Keyser, 81, of Flora, passed away 4:45 p.m. Saturday, January 24, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Delphi, IN. She was born in Mishawaka, IN, on July 21, 1944, the daughter of the late Herman and Addie (Felty) Quier. On April 1, 1966, she married Ronald Eugene Keyser, and he preceded her in death on June 6, 2021.
Connie attended Mishawaka High School. She was a homemaker who took the best care of her husband and children. She later worked at Arby’s and Speedway in Logansport. Her favorite hobbies were baking sugar cookies and tending to her garden. Connie absolutely adored her dogs she had through the years. She will be remembered for being very social and helping anybody in need. In her later years, she enjoyed attending the activities, outings, and making friends at the nursing facility she lived in.
She is survived by her son Brian (Shannon) Keyser; sisters Sharon Banaszak and Linda Tuttle; and a large extended family of in-laws.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter Carolyn Keyser; brother Dennis “Butch” Quier; and father and mother-in-law Alfred and Alice Keyser.
Private burial will take place in Beech Grove Cemetery in Flora, IN. Contributions may be made in Connie’s memory to the Dementia Society of America. Stout & Son Funeral Home – Neptune Chapel in Burlington has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left at www.stoutandson.com.
Michael Donald “Mike” McKillip
Michael Donald “Mike” McKillip, 71, Converse, passed away at 5:24 a.m., Saturday January 24, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo. He was born March 8, 1954, in Kokomo, the son of the late Donald & Joan (Hirst) McKillip. On March 14, 1975, he married Mary Christine Kucholick, and she survives.
A 1972 graduate of Haworth High School, Mike went on to build a long and dedicated career at Chrysler Corporation. He retired in 2006 after more than 30 years of service.
Mike was a man of many passions. He found joy in the open road—whether pedaling on his bicycle or cruising cross-country on his motorcycle. A lifelong enthusiast of old cars and classic machines, he also had a deep appreciation for music, especially country and classic rock. In his youth, Mike earned his Eagle Scout and played little league baseball—early signs of the determination and spirit that would define him throughout his life.
He loved dogs dearly, especially pit bulls, and was known for his generous heart and unwavering loyalty. Mike never met a stranger; he had an innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life and would help anyone in need. His love for his family was unconditional.
Along with his wife Mary Christine, Mike is also survived by his children Michael S. McKillip, Aaron M. (Cassie) McKillip, Andrew J. McKillip, Rachel M. (Joshua) James, Patrick R. (Caitlin) McKillip, Branden A. McKillip, and Gabriel M. McKillip; grandchildren Clayton (Grace) McKillip, Braysen McKillip, BrayLee McKillip, BriElla McKillip, Bronx McKillip, Gavin James, Alexis (Eli) Elkins, Claira James, Jaida James, Ashelyn McKillip, Sophia (Jett) Engle, Jackson McKillip, Lincoln McKillip, Porter McKillip, Gage McKillip, Bella McKillip, Mason McKillip, Jace McKillip, Rowan McKillip, Isaiah Wilson, Asher McKillip, Isaiah (Megan) James, and Anna James; great-grandchildren Ezra McKillip, Jett James and Nash James; siblings Susan Johnson and Matthew (Heather) McKillip; and sister-in-law Wanda McKillip.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents; brother Mark McKillip; brother-in-law Jim Johnson; and in-laws Stanley & Dana Kucholick.
A private family prayer service will be held at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Rev. Fr. Andrew Dudzinski officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mike’s memory to the Kokomo Humane Society—a fitting tribute to a man who loved animals so deeply. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation.