Linda Lou Hooker, Judith “Judy” Marie (Mann) Waters, Nelda A. Garrison, Kristin Annette Hartman, Joseph Robert “Joe” Fording, Willie Ousley
Linda Lou Hooker
Linda Lou Hooker, 79, of Kokomo, passed away on April 17, 2026, at her home. She was born on August 20, 1946, in Peru, IN, the daughter of William and Hattie (Johnson) Kitts.
Linda was a 1964 graduate of Eastern High School. She worked at Delco Electronics for more than 20 years before she retired.
Linda is survived by her son Randolph Hooker; sister Shirley (Frank) King; brother Fred Kitts; and nieces Robin King and Leslie King.
She was preceded in death by her parents; niece Joan King; and infant sister.
A memorial service celebrating Linda’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Hasler & Stout Funeral Home, 112 E. Main Street, Greentown, with Pastor Bruce Mughmaw officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Messages of condolence may be made at www.hasler-stout.com.
Judith “Judy” Marie (Mann) Waters
Judith “Judy” Marie (Mann) Waters, 84 years old, of Russiaville, passed away 12:55 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo. She was born in Kokomo, IN, on October 21, 1941, the daughter of the late Fredrick Mann and Naomi (Silvers) Tate. On November 22, 1963, she married Kenneth “Wayne” Waters, and he survives.
Judy was a 1959 graduate of Western High School. After graduation, she worked as a bookkeeper at Chew’s Grocery Store, where she met her coworker and future husband Wayne. She had a strong faith in Jesus and formerly attended church until her health did not allow her to leave the house. Her favorite hobbies included sewing and completing jigsaw puzzles. She enjoyed watching mystery shows and sports, especially basketball and tennis. Judy will be remembered for being such a caring wife, mom, grandma, and great-grandma.
In addition to her husband Wayne, Judy is survived by her children Delilah (Bob) Barnett of West Lafayette, IN, and Darrell Waters of Russiaville, IN; grandchildren Kurtis Barnett and Katrina (Seth) Barnett; great-granddaughters Nala and Klover Barnett; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father Fredrick Mann; mother Naomi (Silvers) Tate; and brother Richard Mann.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel, 200 E. Main St., Russiaville, IN 46979. A funeral service celebrating Judy’s life will begin at noon on Thursday at the funeral home, with Pastor Jeff Newton officiating. Burial will follow in Russiaville Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Judy’s memory to Kokomo Urban Outreach. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Nelda A. Garrison
Nelda A. Garrison, 96, of Kokomo, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, at her home. She was born on December 18, 1929, in Holgate, Ohio, the daughter of Julius and Pauline (Welz) Hoffman. On March 6, 1953, she married William R. Garrison, who preceded her in death on January 3, 2014.
Nelda was a 1947 graduate of Holgate High School, Holgate, Ohio. She was a part of the first graduating class of Indiana University Kokomo in 1970 with a degree in elementary education. She went on to earn a master’s degree in education. Nelda retired from Kokomo Center Schools after teaching at Washington School for 18½ years. She was a member at Christ Lutheran Church and had been a member of the Kokomo Country Club. She was an active volunteer at Redeemer Lutheran School while her grandchildren attended the school. Nelda enjoyed playing golf, sewing, and needle art. She also liked to travel, read, and play cards, especially Bridge and Euchre.
Nelda is survived by her children Jane (Tim) Brubaker, Cheryl (Mark) Maris, and Mark (Nancy) Garrison; eight grandchildren Adam (Rachel) Brubaker, Sarah Thieke, Andrew (Lindsey) Brubaker, Amanda Maris, Brandon (Stephanie) Maris, Ryan (Jessica) Maris, Kara Garrison, and Justin Garrison; 16 great-grandchildren Ava Thieke, Gabriel Thieke, and Elijah Thieke, Katherine Brubaker, Elizabeth Brubaker, Ben Brubaker, Natalie Brubaker, Megan Brubaker, Remi Brubaker, Kaylin Maris, Lillian Maris, Eleanor Maris, Thomas Maris, Kenneth Maris, Isabelle Maris, and Madeline Maris; sister Erma Biler; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers Gene Hoffman, Paul Hoffman, and Mel Hoffman; and sister Ruth Westrick.
A funeral service to celebrate Nelda’s life will be held at 12 p.m., Friday, May 1, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor John Dreyer officiating. Burial in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery 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 Christ Lutheran Church, 3401 S. Dixon Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. Messages of condolence may be made left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Kristin Annette Hartman
Kristin Annette Hartman was the youngest of five children of Harold and Eleonore Hartman. She was born one November day in 1960 and lived a full life here on the Lord’s earth until 2026 when He called her home to the room He prepared just for her.
In her young years, our mother made sure the girls all knew how to tend house, sew, cook, make jams and jellies, and can vegetables and fruit. The boys helped our father learn the farm. Mother and father taught us all how to live in a Christian household, making God the center of our family and our lives.
Upon graduation from Northwestern High School, Kristin attended Purdue University, getting her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. She spent her internship in Berlin Zoo, Berlin, Germany, having fun with language differences and a new living environment. The coworkers made it all an enjoyable adventure. She stayed with her maternal grandmother and grand aunt, making it home away from home.
Her first job was working for a veterinarian in Logan, Ohio. A week after starting the job, the doctor decided to leave on vacation, letting her run his business. She found he had an excellent staff who helped her move into her new position and make new friends. The job dealt with small animals and the large ones which required traveling the countryside.
Upon leaving Logan, she returned to the family farm helping our father with his swine operation. She learned his style and provided suggestions for change. In exchange, she learned how to do many different types of repairs. Father was grateful and valued her contribution.
Kristin made jellies and jams from the fruit varieties found around the farm or local grocery store sales. Many jars she gave as Christmas gifts to family, friends and visitors.
As mother and father got older, she took on additional responsibilities, which included caring for them and her daughter Sharlene. When mother died in 2009, Kristin made sure our father adjusted to his new living experience by encouraging him to continue going to church social groups. She would also invite church people and neighbors to celebrate his birthday each year and enjoy suppers during the Advent season. Kristin’s responsibilities continued to change, and then so did her own health. This made it increasingly necessary that family members step in to help. We all did. Arlen and Doris did the most as they lived close.
Throughout her life, and particularly in her last days, she knew she was in the Lord’s hands. Praise and thanks to the Lord for giving us a warm and loving family.
Family members celebrating her return to the Lord are her daughter Sharlene; her brother Detlef and his wife Pam with their daughter; her brother Arlen and his wife Shirley with their five children and six grandchildren; her sister Karin; and her sister Doris and her husband Kevin with their two children and three grandchildren.
A memorial service celebrating Kristin’s life will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 705 E. Southway Boulevard, Kokomo, with Pastor John Dreyer officiating. Friends may visit the family from 10:30 a.m. until the start of the service on Monday at the church. Burial will follow the service in North Union Cemetery in western Howard County. Following the burial, the family invites friends to join them at the Hartman Farm for a Celebration of Life gathering from 2:00 p.m. until dark. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Joseph Robert “Joe” Fording
Joseph Robert “Joe” Fording, age 64, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on April 27, 2026, in the same city where he was born on January 22, 1962, and where he spent a life that was equal parts hard work, humor, and heart.
Joe was born to Robert Fording and Lillian Smith Fording and grew up with the kind of roots that kept him grounded no matter where life tried to carry him. He graduated from Northwestern High School with the class of 1980 and later attended some trade college through Ivy Tech, always willing to learn what he could and use it well. He had a practical mind, a steady hand, and the sort of personality that could make even an ordinary day feel like it had a punchline hiding in it.
He worked in maintenance at Kinsey Youth Center, where he was known for getting the job done and doing it with the kind of dry wit that made people laugh before they even realized they needed to. Joe had a way of making people feel at ease, whether he was fixing something, telling a story, or delivering a one-liner that landed just right. He was funny, interesting, and kind, which is a pretty solid résumé for a man who never seemed interested in being anything but himself.
Joe was a Christian and a member of Friends of Hemlock, and his faith was part of the steady center of his life. He also attended AA and NA meetings and served as a sponsor to many, offering encouragement, honesty, and support to others who were trying to find their footing. He understood that life could be messy, and he never pretended otherwise. Instead, he met people where they were, often with compassion, a little humor, and the kind of wisdom that comes from walking through the fire and learning how to laugh without getting burned.
He loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed fishing, coon hunting, and looking for Indian arrowheads with his grandchildren. Those were the moments that mattered most to him, the ones filled with fresh air, family, and the kind of quiet joy that does not need much explaining. He was happiest when he was sharing time with the people he loved, especially when there was a good story to tell afterward. If there was a fish on the line or a good find in the dirt, Joe was all in. If there was not, he probably had a joke ready anyway.
Joe is survived by his two sons Ryan Fording and his wife Patricia, and Josh Fording and his wife Ashleigh; his grandchildren Preston, Rylan, Emmaleigh, and Remington; the mother of his children Lisa Fording; his brother Jeff Fording; and his niece and nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings. His family will remember him for his humor, his loyalty, and the way he could make a room feel lighter just by being in it.
There is a quote often attributed to Robin Williams that says, “I used to think the worst thing in life was to end up all alone. It’s not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people that make you feel all alone.” Joe would have appreciated that kind of truth, especially because he spent so much of his life making sure others did not feel alone. He had a gift for connection, and he used it generously.
Joe’s life was a reminder that a person does not have to be perfect to be deeply loved, and that laughter can be a form of grace. He leaves behind memories that will be told and retold, probably with a little exaggeration, a lot of affection, and at least one story that starts with, “You are not going to believe what Joe said.” That is the kind of legacy he leaves, one built on love, resilience, faith, and a sense of humor that could sneak up on you and stay with you long after the conversation ended.
There will be a gathering of friends and family at Hemlock Friends Church on Monday May 4, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., 4448 400 South, in Hemlock, Indiana.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Willie Ousley
Willie Ousley, 68, of Peru, Indiana, passed away on April 25, 2026, surrounded by the legacy of a life marked by hard work, devotion, and deep love for family and friends.
He was born on June 30, 1957, in Risner, Kentucky, the son of the late Harrison and Gracie Ousley. Willie grew up with the values of kindness, perseverance, and responsibility that would guide him throughout his life. Those who knew him best will remember him as a man who was handy, loving, and friendly, and who carried those qualities into every part of his daily life.
Willie spent 30 years working for WoodCrest Manufacturing in Peru, where he was respected for his dedication and steady work ethic. He took pride in what he did and found satisfaction in staying busy and being useful. He was the kind of man who enjoyed working, and he approached each day with a practical spirit and a willingness to help wherever he could. His long career reflected not only his commitment to his job, but also his loyalty and dependability.
He was a member of the Literary Aid Society in Peru and a lifetime member of the VFW, associations that reflected his appreciation for fellowship and community. Willie valued the friendships and connections he made over the years, and he remained proud of the places and people that were part of his life. He also enjoyed the simple pleasures that brought him comfort and happiness, including Budweiser, bluegrass music, and camping. Whether spending time outdoors or listening to a favorite tune, he found joy in the moments that made life feel full and familiar.
Willie was preceded in death by his beloved wife Pat Ousley, who he began dating in 1982 and married on July 24, 1993. Her passing in 2012 was a profound loss in his life. He was also preceded in death by his parents Harrison and Gracie Ousley; his brothers Adam Ousley and Harold Ousley; and his sisters Effie Ousley, Virgie Greer, and Sarah Brannum. Their memories remained an important part of his story, and he carried their presence in his heart.
He is survived by his daughter Amy (Mitch Birchfield) Ousley; his stepchildren Billy Biggs and his wife Jamie, Jonathan (Victoria Cain) Biggs, and Darron Biggs; his brother Obie Ousley; and his sisters Margie Graber, Maggie Legg, Mandy Ousley, Delphi Hale and her husband Grover, and Mary Ray. Willie also leaves behind his grandchildren Willie Gentry, Alex Ousley, Sierra Ousley, Taylor Ousley, Bella Ousley, Cody Hiles, Chance Biggs, and Darron “D” Biggs, along with four great-grandchildren who brought him pride and joy.
Willie’s life was one of steadfast devotion to the people he loved. He was a man who believed in showing up, doing his part, and caring for others in quiet but meaningful ways. His family and friends will remember his warm personality, his willingness to lend a hand, and the genuine friendliness that made him easy to know and easy to love. His presence brought comfort, laughter, and strength to those around him.
Though he will be deeply missed, Willie’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him. His life was a testimony to the value of hard work, family, and simple joys, and his legacy will remain a cherished part of the lives he touched.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Literary Aid Society, 21 W. Canal St., in Peru, IN. Friends may gather from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com