Nancy Jayne Lucas, Diane L. Beeman, Deborah Elizabeth Rayls, Dixie Lou Stone, Minnie Ethel Russ, Ricky Todd Carpenter, Larry M. Crail, Heather J. Richey, Michael Edward Durham, Cheryl Wood
Nancy Jayne Lucas
Nancy Jayne Lucas, 83, Greentown, passed away at 12:42 a.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Century Villa in Greentown. She was born April 16, 1942, in Kokomo to Albert and Mildred (Stephens) Walker. On November 26, 1961, she married William “Bill” Lucas, who survives.
A 1960 Kokomo High School graduate, Nancy worked at Delco Electronics until her retirement. In her youth she also worked for S.S. Kresge in downtown Kokomo, followed by Ben Franklin, where she met her to-be husband. Some of her main interests included traveling with friends and family, even internationally, as well as camping and crafting with her children. She spent 12 years as a Kokomo High School band booster and was a proud Cub Scout den mother. Living on the water outside of Greentown provided Nancy the opportunity to enjoy nature. Above all, she loved spending time with her family, friends, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Nancy was a longtime member of Fairfield Christian Church in Oakford.
She is survived by her husband Bill Lucas; children Brett Lucas, Christina (Albert) Magnorfi, and Bryan (Mindi) Lucas; grandchildren Gabriella (Gerardo) Pocasangre, Skyler Lucas, Sophia (Sandis Carter) Magnorfi, Mackenzie Lucas, and Hanna Lucas; great-grandchildren Maelee Pocasangre and Tinley Pocasangre; as well as a sister Judy (Don) Pine.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Ed Walker.
Funeral services celebrating Nancy’s life will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Fairfield Christian Church, 1476 E, 400 S, Kokomo, with Pastor Lynn Coleman officiating. Burial will follow in Galveston Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
A funeral dinner will be provided at the church, immediately following the burial service.
Memorial contributions may be made in Nancy’s name to Tunnel to Towers Foundation t2t.org. Messages of Condolences may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Diane L. Beeman
Diane L. Beeman, age 78, of Kokomo, formerly of Logansport, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at her daughter’s home.
Born March 25, 1948, to the late Howard and Wilma (Scott) Edwards in Pleasantville, New Jersey, she worked for the Logansport State Hospital for 27 years before her retirement.
Diane was an avid Bingo player, often rescheduling important appointments so that she could make it to play. She was a member of the River of Life Christian Church. But above all, Diane loved her family and making memories with them.
Diane is survived by her daughters Jamie Vore, Danielle (Garrick) Stevens, and Denise (Mike) Curtis; son, Donald “Eddie” Maxson; sisters Terry McVay and Bonnie Mills; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A gathering of family and friends will be held Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. until the time of service in the Gundrum Funeral Home.
A celebration of life service will follow on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Thad Stewart officiating. Burial will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery.
You may sign Diane’s guest book and send condolences online to the family at www.gundrumcares.com
Deborah Elizabeth Rayls
Deborah Elizabeth Rayls passed on March 29, 2026, at the age of 70. Born October 30, 1955, in Kokomo, Indiana, Deborah lived in Flora, Indiana.
Visitation will be held at Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center, South Chapel, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, IN 46902, US, on April 3, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
A funeral service will take place at Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, IN 46902, US, on April 3, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Interment will follow at Kokomo Memorial Park, 1300 East North Street, Kokomo, IN 46901, US, on April 3, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:10 p.m.
Dixie Lou (Damron) Stone
Dixie Lou (Damron) Stone, 79 years old, of Kokomo, passed away Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo. She was born on Peach Mountain, in Peebles, Ohio, June 1, 1946, the daughter of the late Roby Carl and Helen Juanita (Smalley) Damron. On July 1, 2009, she married Edward “Leo” Stone, and he survives.
Dixie was a 1964 graduate of Fairfield High School in Leesburg, Ohio. She grew up in Southern Ohio and spent most of her adult life there until about 19 years ago when she moved to Indiana to be closer to her daughter. She worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse for 30 years, with the last 10 in hospice care. Dixie loved Gospel music, old hymns, and spending time reading the Bible. She liked going to the theatre to watch good movies while enjoying popcorn with extra butter. She also loved spending time with family and laughing with them. She especially loved spending time with her daughter, son-in-law, and their children. She found joy in taking walks and working in the yard with her husband Edward and their dogs Tippy and Dusty.
Dixie was a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Kokomo, and will be remembered for genuinely caring for people. Her chief concern was always whether they knew Jesus as their Lord and Savior as she knew Him.
In addition to her husband Ed, she is survived by her children Mary Beth Waln (James) Dolmanet, Edward L. (Val) Stone, and Richard Stone; siblings Connie Damron McKenzie of Wilmington, OH, and Greg (Cindy) Damron of Wilmington, OH; numerous grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, and a large extended family.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by siblings Carolyn Norris, Richard Damron, Thomas Damron, and Roger Damron; daughter Kelly Marie Waln; and grandson James A. Dolmanet II.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, April 3, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. A funeral service celebrating Dixie’s life will begin at 4 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home with Pastor Will Teague officiating. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Minnie Ethel Russ
Minnie Ethel Russ, 76, of Tipton, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at IU Health in Fishers. She was born on March 23, 1950, to Carl and Bessie (Burchett) Birdwell in Jamestown, Kentucky.
Minnie worked in healthcare for many years. She enjoyed gardening and canning what she grew. Minnie liked sewing, making quilts, making coffee, and drinking coffee.
She is survived by her children Debbie (Tim) Craig-Russ, Tami (Tony) Moore, Roxanne (Jim) Goff, Tom (Tammy) Russ, and Tim (Debbie) Russ; son-in-law Bob Crowell; 13 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and sister Linda (Dan) Hayes
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Thomas Russ, Sr., stepdaughter Vickie Crowell, and siblings Walter Birdwell, Nina Birdwell, Wanda Birdwell, MaryAnn Birdwell, Roy Birdwell, and Darlene Mann.
Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Randall & Roberts Funeral Home, 1150 Logan Street in Noblesville. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will be at Crownland Cemetery in Noblesville.
Ricky Todd Carpenter
Ricky Todd Carpenter, 64, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away March 27, 2026. He was born on October 11, 1961, in Frankfort, Germany, the son of Lester Carpenter and Billie Sue (Bailey) Carpenter.
He attended Taylor High School before proudly serving his country in the United States Army in the 82nd Airborne in Ft. Bragg in North Carolina. He loved golf, bowling, and playing softball. He also loved the Cincinnati Reds.
Left to cherish his memory are his children Derrik Ailor, Tony Carpenter, Bradley Carpenter, Adam Carpenter, Payden Carpenter, and Preston Carpenter; grandchildren Charlie, Betsy, and Lyra; brothers Greg Carpenter, Troy (Tammy) Carpenter; and sister Sonja (Ed) Stollings.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902. Burial will follow at Albright Cemetery, Kokomo, Indiana. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.
Larry M. Crail
Larry M. Crail died peacefully on March 13, 2026, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, at the age of 85, with his loving wife at his side.
Larry was born on June 19, 1940, in Kokomo, Indiana, to parents Clyde M. Crail and Neoshia M. Ball. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Max Tidler, Victor Gary Holt, and C. Frank Crail.
Larry graduated from Western High School, promptly joined the US Air Force, and was stationed at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado. This marked the beginning of his career stationed at different bases around the world through his work with the Air Force, teaching for the Navy, and working for the Department of Defense.
This was also where his lifelong friendship with the love of his life Ann, his wife of 64 years, began. They met in Denver while he was in the Air Force, and she was a student nurse at Mercy Hospital. In his version of the story, she asked him to dance at a USO dance, and the rest is history. They made their home wherever they were stationed, and upon retirement from White Sands Missile Range, settled in Las Cruces.
Larry filled his retirement with a variety of volunteer activities, helping whenever he saw a need. He took it upon himself to help neighbors and friends in a variety of small ways. He also loved learning and was a born teacher. As his family fondly remembers, “Don’t ask him what time it is because he’ll tell you how the clock works.”
He is survived by his wife Ann; daughters Susan (Dan) Guard and Sharon (Christopher) Migotsky; and granddaughter Caitlin (Tyler) Hughes.
Memorial service to be held on Tuesday, April 7, at 11:00 a.m. at Getz Funeral Home, 1410 E Bowman Ave, Las Cruces, NM. Inurnment of ashes to take place at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery.
Heather J. Richey
Heather J. Richey, 53, Galveston, Indiana, died March 26, 2026, at her home.
Heather was born Oct. 13, 1972, in Sparta, Wis., to Harlan McLain Sr. and Diana Jackson. She grew up in Cashton and Sparta, graduating from Sparta High School in 1991. She attended University of Wisconsin-La Crosse before moving to Indiana in 1995. Heather graduated from Indiana University of Kokomo in 2003.
Heather married Chad Richey in 1997 and had two children Ryan and Lindsey. She worked hard to raise her family in Galveston while also working several jobs over her life. She was close with her children and loved them fiercely.
Heather was known for her big heart. She would help anyone who needed it. She loved spending time with her grandkids and chatting with her family, reminiscing about the good ol’ days. She enjoyed watching old game shows and true crime documentaries when she wasn’t shopping or finding a good deal at a garage sale. Heather loved a good joke and had a bright smile that made everyone feel welcome.
Heather is survived by her husband Chad Richey; her children Ryan Richey and Lindsey (Matthew) Droll; her grandchildren Melody and Oliver Droll; her siblings Kevin (Cindy) McLain, Lisa (Paul) McLain-Sharp, and Angela Imgrund; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Harlan McLain Sr. and Diana Jackson; her stepfather Robert Jackson; and her brother Harlan McLain Jr.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Michael Edward Durham
On March 26, 2026, Michael Edward Durham, of Greenwood, Indiana, finished his race here on earth and graduated to his heavenly home. His life’s journey began August 22, 1958, in Corbin, Kentucky, born to Wilma Nadyne (Rogers) Durham and Alfred Albert Durham, who preceded him in death in December 2009. He married Debbie Richeson on July 26, 1980, who lovingly survives.
Michael graduated from Kokomo High School in 1976 and from Indiana University of Kokomo with a B.S. degree in Accounting. During his life, he worked at Continental Steel, Unified Management, Cummins, and retired from Raytheon as a Financial Analyst.
He was a member of Southland Community Church since its beginnings, where he served as a greeter and enjoyed the deep and loving friendships of their small group.
All who knew Mike were blessed by his quiet faith, quick wit, and his kind heart. He loved and provided for his family well, walking by faith and not by sight. He modeled unwavering trust in God’s provision and faithfulness through all of life’s ups and downs.
He also loved sports; playing baseball growing up, slow-pitch softball as a young adult, bowling, tennis, golf, and his latest passion - pickleball. Mike and Debbie enjoyed trips to Hawaii, the Caribbean, Israel, and most recently to Greece and Rome.
Those who remain to cherish Mike’s memory are: his daughter Karen (Russell) Simon; three granddaughters Evelyn Simon, Norah Simon, and Clara Simon of Rancho Cucamonga, California; his mother Wilma Nadyne Durham, Kokomo, Indiana; his sister Michelle (Troy) Riley, Kokomo, Indiana; niece Tabytha (Lukas) Fore, their children Fulton and Mazie of Greenwood, Indiana; and nephew Shayne (Kayela) Riley and daughter Hazel of Columbus, Indiana. He is also survived by many cousins and family members on the Durham and Rogers sides.
Visitation will be held Saturday, April 11, from 1:00-3:00 p.m., with the Celebration of Life immediately following at 3:00 p.m., at Southland Church, 5800 West Smith Valley Road, Greenwood, Indiana 46142.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southland Community Church.
Arrangements are being handled by Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory in Greenwood, Indiana.
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26
Cheryl (Sidwell) Wood
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Cheryl (Sidwell) Wood, age 60, on Saturday, March 28, 2026. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, faithfulness, and loyalty to her family, friends, and community; forever cherished by those lives she touched.
Cheryl is survived by Mark Wood, her husband of 27 years. Together, their marriage demonstrated the strongest commitment to one another. They supported each other through life’s obstacles as a partnership, always putting each other first.
She was the epitome of motherhood; embracing her mother role with playfulness, presence, and unconditional love to her sons Joshua (Amanda) Shinkle and Jacob (Megan) Wood. The title she was most proud of was Grandma. She made sure her grandchildren were greatly loved, bragged about, and always spoiled. Her legacy will endure through her grandchildren: Keegan, Gavin, and Nolan Shinkle, and Cooper Wood, who will miss her immensely. “The idea is not to live forever, but to create something that will.”
Cheryl was a proud older sister to Carolyn (Gerald) Martin and Darin Sidwell. She also held notable titles of Aunt, Niece, Sister-in-Law, Cousin, Friend, and President of the Phil Vasser fan club. She loved her church family, listening to music, vacationing, garage sale hopping, her many lifelong pets, and telling her jokes. Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents William “Ed” Sidwell and Frances “Gerrie” Sidwell, and father-in-law Terry Wood.
We are certain that Cheryl’s first stop after she was welcomed into Heaven was on the dance floor. She is finally dancing among the angels, exactly as she deserves.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Cheryl’s honor on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Kokomo, located at 1967 W Blvd., Kokomo, Indiana 46902. An intimate family celebration will be held in St. Louis.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Calvary Baptist Kokomo Church.