Obituaries, April 10, 2026

Written on 04/10/2026


Richard “Dick” Lee Ferguson, Phyllis Annette (Dunham ) Horoho, Nancy Lee Moss, Sandra L. Dempsey (Cope), Vicky Ann Utterback

Richard “Dick” Lee Ferguson

Richard “Dick” Lee Ferguson, 88, Kokomo, passed away on April 7, 2026, at Wellbrooke of Kokomo. He was born on January 20, 1938, to the late Elza and Lavonne (Blacklidge) Ferguson. On June 28, 1958, he married Glenda Murphy, and she survives.

Richard graduated from Kokomo High School in 1955. He served in the Indiana National Guard. He graduated from Indiana College of Mortuary Science and worked for Peacock Funeral Home and Mast & Pickett in Greentown. Richard also received an associate’s in criminal justice and a bachelor’s in liberal studies from Indiana University Kokomo (IUK). He then went to the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville and graduated.

He joined the Howard County Sheriff’s Department in 1967 and served from Deputy to Chief Deputy. In 1972, he joined the Kokomo Police Department serving in several ranks and retired as Inspector of Support Division in 1993. Richard received the American Legion 5th District Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. He went on to work as a realtor for REMAX for a few years. He served as Director of the North Central Law Enforcement Training Institute at Grissom AFB. He then returned to the Kokomo Police Department as a civilian Accreditation Manager. He was an assessor for the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. He also worked as a visitation Pastor for One Church where he was a member, received the distinguished service award, and served as secretary of the board for a number of years. Richard loved God, family, church, and friends.

Along with his wife Glenda “Marlene” Ferguson, Richard is survived by his children Richard A. (Lariann) Ferguson and Michelle (Tim) Johnson; grandchildren Jared (Jamie) Johnson, and Colton (Kelsey) Johnson; great-grandchildren Parker Johnson, Asher Johnson, and Emerson Johnson; and many nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Hubert Ferguson, Herbert Ferguson, and Robert “Bob” Ferguson.

A funeral service celebrating the life of Richard will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026, at One Church, 2734 S. Washington St., Kokomo, with Pastors Tim Gates and Garey Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Friends may visit the family from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Stout & Son Funeral Home, 200 E Main St, Russiaville. Memorial contributions may be made in Richard’s name to One Church. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.



Phyllis Annette (Dunham) Horoho

Phyllis Annette (Dunham) Horoho, age 95, of Greentown, IN, and Purcell, OK, became absent from her body and present with the Lord in the evening on Sunday, March 22, 2026. She was born on August 30, 1930, to King E. and Lena (Webster) Dunham in Noblesville, IN.

A 1948 Greentown High School graduate, she was very active in her school and community. On August 20, 1949, she married Ned Horoho of Greentown. They were married for 63 years. Together, they built their house in Greentown, which brought many memories for their three children, family, and friends.

She worked for Greentown Schools, as a bookkeeper at Maple’s Chevrolet and Continental Steel, finishing at Delco Electronics, and retiring after 36 years.

She was an active, long-term member of her church, Sycamore Friends. She loved to travel with her family and spent many years enjoying lake life at Long Lake and in North Webster, IN. During their retirement years, she and her husband also spent time in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Preceding her in death are her husband Ned, parents, and siblings Norma Jeane Fisher, Kenneth Dunham, and James Dunham, as well as two of her children David Horoho and Pam (Horoho) Ashcraft, and grandchild Jeff Horoho. She is survived by her son Mike (Karen) Horoho, Purcell, OK, daughter-in-law Debbie Horoho, Greentown, and son-in-law Ray Ashcraft, Greentown and Port St. Lucie, FL. Grandchildren include Chris (Beth) Horoho, Derek (Danielle) Horoho, Jeremy (Rachael) Ashcraft, Kara Riley, Sean Ashcraft, Lindsay (Amber) Bundy, Craig Horoho, Grant Horoho, and Philip Horoho. She has numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

While the things of this world can be enjoyed, they are temporary. Phyllis was saved by the grace of God through faith in what Christ completed on the cross. Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection conquered sin and the grave. At the time of her salvation, she was complete, accepted by the Beloved, and reconciled to God, all through Christ. We can find comfort knowing that she was and is at peace with God.

Friends are invited to celebrate the life of Phyllis and visit with the family at noon, Thursday, April 16, at Sycamore Friends Church, 1148 N, CR 1100 E, Greentown, IN. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. that day at the same location. The burial will be at Simpson Cemetery following the service. Hasler & Stout Funeral Home - Greentown has been entrusted with arrangements. Any donations in Phyllis’s honor may be made to Samaritan Caregivers through the funeral home. Messages of condolences and memories may be left online at ShirleyandStout.com.



Nancy Lee Moss

Nancy Lee Moss, 89, of Kokomo, passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Brickyard of Kokomo. She was born on February 23, 1937, the daughter of Charles Lewis and Goldie Irene (Neff) Smith. On September 3, 1955, she married Melvin C. Moss, who preceded her in death on May 17, 2008.

Nancy worked at Moore’s Restaurant, Cottage Corner, St. Joseph Hospital, and spent 23 years at Windsor Estates. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and playing BINGO. Nancy loved spending time with her grandkids.

Nancy is survived by her daughter Brenda Taylor; son Glen Moss; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

Along with her husband Melvin Moss, she was preceded in death by her sons Greg Johnson, Calvin Moss, Linda Cross, and Tim Moss; and grandchildren Chris Moss, Brandon Moss, and Mellissa Moss.

A funeral service celebrating Nancy’s life will be held at 12 p.m., Friday, April 17, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. Burial in Kokomo Memorial Park will follow. 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 Humane Society, 729 E. Hoffer Street, Kokomo. Messages of condolence may be made at www.shirleyandstout.com.



Sandra L. Dempsey (Cope)

Sandra L. Dempsey (Cope) was called home to the Lord on February 19, 2026, finding eternal peace after a courageous journey through lung and brain cancer. Throughout her illness, she walked by faith, facing every trial with the strength of a warrior and a heart full of grace that defined her entire life.

Born in Seattle, Washington, on August 18, 1957, to Shirley Stieber Kemp and Vernon Cope, she spent her formative years in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It was there that she built her life and raised her family before seeking the warmth of Citrus Springs, Florida, five years ago.

She was a woman of many talents and passions. An avid crafter, painter, and jewelry maker, she had a unique ability to turn a blank canvas or a handful of beads into something beautiful. Her kitchen was the heart of her home, where she delighted in cooking and sharing cherished family recipes with those she loved.

When she wasn’t creating, she could often be found on the water, fishing, boating, and enjoying the stillness of nature. Above all, she had a profound love for animals, especially her beloved dogs through the years, and a selfless spirit that led her to always put the needs of others before her own.

She is survived by her devoted husband John Dempsey, and her loving children: Melissa Whitman and her husband Russell of Nazareth, PA, Daniel Magan and his wife Kelli of Millsboro, DE, and stepson John Dempsey and his wife Charlotte of Ocala, FL.

Her greatest joy was found in her grandchildren: Koye Whitman, Brody Whitman, Dakoda Whitman, Scott Dempsey, and Gabbriella Dempsey, all of whom will carry her memory in their hearts.

She is also survived by her siblings, who shared in her journey from coast to coast: Gail Dillman-Long and wife Janice (Marysville, WA), Stanley Cope and wife Eiko (Federal Way, WA), Gordon Cope and wife Lisa (Kokomo, IN), Bradley Cope and wife Kimberly (Myrtle Beach, SC), and Douglas Stieber and wife Jennifer (Lansdale, PA), as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Her family will remember her not just for her “warrior” spirit, but for the beauty she created, the meals she shared, and the kindness she extended to every person and animal she met. She will be deeply missed, but her light remains in the lives of everyone she touched.

A private burial and celebration of her life will be held on May 2, 2026, to honor the incredible woman she was and the warrior she became. She will be laid to rest at Bethlehem Memorial Park (Cemetery) in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, returning to the community where she spent so many years of her life and lying along with her beloved mother.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Humane Society of Citrus County FL Inc. PO Box 2283 Inverness, FL 34451 http://www.humanesocietycitrus.com/donations.html



Vicky Ann Utterback

Vicky Ann Utterback, 69, of Greentown, passed away at 2:39 a.m. on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent in Kokomo. She was born September 21, 1956, in Peru, to Robert D. and Doris E. (Malott) Smith. On November 10, 1973, she married David A. Utterback at Jerome Christian Church, and he survives.

Vicky attended Eastern High School and later Indiana University for nursing. She worked as a QMA at Carmel Care Center for several years and then at Century Villa. Vicky enjoyed doing crafts and spending time at home with her family.

In addition to her husband Dave, survivors include sons Brad Utterback and Eric (Jerra) Utterback; grandchildren Brayden (Angelique) Utterback, Ella Utterback, Elaina Utterback, Kylynn King, and Taylor Ford; sisters Cindy (Kenny) Lyon, Jean (Darrel) Deeds, and Linda (Mike) Gochenour; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two infant children Ryan David and Lisa Ann.

A private graveside service will be held for Vicky in Greenlawn Cemetery in Greentown with Pastor Paul Nicholson officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hasler & Stout Funeral Home. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout.com.