Christine Weaver (Coffey) Whitaker, William “Joe” Doyle Fields Jr., Kevin Wayne Bledsoe, Herman L. Tucker, Phyllis Jean Ewing, Robert “Bob” Boruff, Bernice “Sue” Blackwell
Christine Weaver (Coffey) Whitaker
Christine Weaver (Coffey) Whitaker, 102 years old, of Kokomo, IN, passed away 4:40 p.m. Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Century Villa Health Campus in Greentown, IN. She was born in Cumberland County, Kentucky, on August 22, 1923, the daughter of the late Ossie Coffey and Martha (Wells) Watson. On December 11, 1943, she married Hilton Whitaker, and he preceded her in death on June 9, 2001.
Christine was a 1940 graduate of Celina High School in Celina, TN. She received a two-year degree from Lindsey Wilson College, Columbia, KY, a B.A. degree from Asbury College, Wilmore, KY, and received additional training at Valparaiso University. She was a former elementary teacher and was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Kokomo.
Christine and her husband Hilton, a United Methodist minister, served churches in Hammond, Frankfort, Terre Haute, Crawfordsville, Michigan City, Kokomo, and Hartford City. She and her husband also worked as a team in professional fund raising for the National Division of the Church for seven years. She was a loyal worker in ministry alongside her husband of 57 years. She will be remembered for being the happiest lady and so humble. Her favorite hobbies were camping, birdwatching, and flower gardening. She was a talented artist and often painted or drew pictures.
She is survived by her son Douglas Whitaker; grandchildren Brian Whitaker, Charles (Trisha) Whitaker, Lisa (Marc) Macaluso, and Ashley (Jimmy Taylor) Whitaker; great-grandchildren Brianna Whitaker, Kaylan Whitaker, Kelseigh Whitaker, Trae Fulk, Haven Fulk, Gage Fulk, and Dylan Taylor; and great-great-grandchildren Harper Bates and Oakland Turley.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Lyndell (Diane) Whitaker, and daughter-in-law Vickie Whitaker.
Christine’s family would like to extend a special thank you to her dear neighbors Gordon and Cheryl Wilber for the excellent care and love they provided to her.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. A funeral service celebrating Christine’s life will begin Noon on Thursday at the funeral home, with Pastor Matt Swisher officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memory Garden. Contributions may be made in Christine’s memory to Grace United Methodist Church. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
William “Joe” Doyle Fields Jr.
William “Joe” Doyle Fields Jr., 73, passed away Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Community Howard Regional Health Hospital in Kokomo. He was born December 4, 1952, in Cumberland, KY, the son of the late William D. Fields Sr. and Nellie Margaret (Russell) Fields.
Joe graduated from Lee High School, Marianna, AR, in 1970. Joe served six years in the Army National Guard in his home state of Arkansas. He graduated from John A. Gubton College, Nashville, TN, earning his associate’s degree in Mortuary Science. After his retirement from funeral service, you could consider Joe an entrepreneur as he had his own cellular store for many years until 2001. He later worked for the Walmart Distribution Center, from which he retired. Joe has two beautiful daughters whom he loved very much. He lit up at even the mention of them and their families. Joe was very strong in his faith as he leaned on God during the good times and life’s most difficult moments. Joe had a huge heart and showed love and kindness to others regardless of the circumstances of his life. He was precious and very loved, a father, a brother, and an uncle.
Joe is survived by his two daughters Brandi (Brad) Moore of Oklahoma and Nikki Fields of Arkansas; three grandchildren; siblings Nelda (Jim) Strunk of Kokomo, Elizabeth “Libby” (Dennis) Hughes of Greentown, Faith (Fred) McKnight of Berea, KY, and Elizabeth (James) Norman of Marion, AR; nieces and nephews Venus (Dwayne) Butcher, Mark (April) Strunk, Denny Strunk, Shannon (Samantha) Vanover, Miranda (Dennis) Hatfield, Jamey (Kim) Strunk, Luwanna (Brent) Stiner, Rebecca Fields, Shawn (Lindsey) Leisure, and Derek (Sarah) Leisure.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents.
We would love to thank the wonderful people who cared for and provided comfort to Joe, from his life at Century Villa Health Care & Rehabilitation, to his hospice care compassionate caregivers at Paradigm Health Hospice Care and the amazing second-floor nurses at Community Howard Regional Hospital.
A funeral service celebrating Joe’s life will take place at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Stout & Son Funeral Home, 200 E. Main St., Russiaville, with Pastor Aaron Hogue and cousin Pastor Bill Fields officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Gardens Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. until the start of the service on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Century Villa or to Paradigm Hospice in Joe’s memory. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Kevin Wayne Bledsoe
Kevin Wayne Bledsoe, 72, of Forest, Indiana, passed away on Friday, June 19, 2026. He was born on August 28, 1953, to Kenneth and Esther (Mikesell) Bledsoe.
A graduate of Western High School, Kevin worked for many years at AgMax in Forest and held various other farming and agricultural jobs throughout his life. He was a good ol’ country boy who loved farming, watching the crops grow, and admiring old tractors. He enjoyed talking with friends, attending dirt track races, and spending time with family.
Kevin never knew a stranger and was always ready to share stories, discuss life, or philosophize over a cup of coffee. In his younger years, he drove mini sprints and developed a lifelong passion for sprint car racing. Whether working as a mechanic, watching from the stands, or following the sport from afar, racing remained one of his greatest interests throughout his life.
A beloved grandfather, devoted father, loving son, and loyal friend, Kevin will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Kevin is survived by his son Jake (Sara) Bledsoe; his mother Esther Bledsoe; his grandchildren Burton and Kadin; his brothers Duke and Mike Bledsoe; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his son Travis Bledsoe, and his father Kenneth Bledsoe.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Settler’s Yard, 125 Seward Street, Russiaville. Stout & Son Funeral Home-Russiaville Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.
Herman L. Tucker
Herman L. Tucker, 92, of Galveston, went home to be with the Lord on his 92nd birthday, June 23, 2026, at his home. He was born June 23, 1934, to Albert L. and Ica Coker (Graves) Tucker. Herman married Katherine Lowe on September 26, 1990, and she preceded him in death on May 31, 2025.
Herman retired from Delco Electronics in Kokomo as an electrical engineer with many years of service. Early in his career he was one of the electrical engineers who worked on the first Apollo lunar spacecraft. He was an avid marathon runner and enjoyed fishing with his family. He was happiest when he was working around his home or tinkering with something.
He is survived by his children Rev. Anthony Tucker and wife Anna, David L. Tucker, Bruce (Shawn) Tucker, David R. Tucker, Mark (Yung-Ling) Tucker, and Rochelle (Tom) Tucker. Surviving grandchildren include Judah, Kaleb, Sophie, Ashley, Jarrod, Christy, Greg, Brian, and Connor. He is also survived by 16 great grandchildren. Surviving siblings include Ruble Tucker, Louie (Peg) Tucker, Wanda Lanham, Alberta Huffer, and Janet Trent. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Katherine, and brothers Earl, Ernest, Virgil, Max, and Kenneth Lincoln, and Lonnie and Joe Tucker; and sisters Delores Thacker, Thelma Rountree, and Judy Bouse.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston with his son Rev. Anthony Tucker officiating. Burial will follow in the Galveston Cemetery. Friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00 a.m. Saturday morning at the funeral home. Murray Weaver Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com
Phyllis Jean Ewing
Phyllis Jean Ewing, 79, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on June 21, 2026. She was born on December 8, 1946, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the daughter of James and Gracie (Carr) Richards. She married James Ewing on May 16, 1968, who survives.
Phyllis, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away surrounded by the love of her family. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, and unwavering dedication to those she loved.
Phyllis was known for her energetic spirit and loving heart. Through her daycare service, she touched the lives of countless children and families, providing not only care but also encouragement, guidance, and affection.
For 58 years, Phyllis shared a loyal and loving marriage with her husband Jim. Together they built a life centered on family, and commitment. Their enduring partnership was an example of devotion and steadfast love.
Family was the center of Phyllis’s world. She loved her children, grandchildren, and extended family with unmatched passion. Her compassion knew no bounds, and she was always ready to offer support, comfort, and a listening ear to anyone in need.
One of the greatest joys in Phyllis’s life was cheering on her children and grandchildren. No matter the sport, activity, or event, she was always there. She never missed a game, performance, or milestone, proudly supporting her family from the sidelines and celebrating every achievement.
Phyllis will be remembered for her warm smile, generous heart, boundless energy, big hugs and the love she shared so freely. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and in the family she cherished so dearly.
She is survived by her beloved husband Jim and her loving family, who will continue to honor her memory through the values she instilled and the love she gave so generously.
Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband James; one daughter and two sons Tina (Mark), Jerry (Megan), and David; six grandchildren Ashlay (Gary), Brittany (David), Myra, Ava, Graham, and Jackson; and seven great-grandchildren Toby, Shelby, Meili, Kalli, Eleanor, Alana, and Gaten. Also, she is survived by two sisters and one brother Paula (Neil), Sandy (Matt), and Eddie (Elaina), and a host of devoted nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by two brothers Jimmy Ray and Bobby (Mona).
A Memorial Gathering will take place from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center. A Memorial Service will begin at 2:00 PM Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.
Robert “Bob” Boruff
Robert “Bob” Boruff, 74, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on June 22, 2026. He was born March 25, 1952, in Norwich, England, to the late Patrick and Helen Boruff.
On August 31, 1987, Bob married Patsy Sutterfield, and together they built a life rooted in devotion and family. He was a family man—consistent, caring, and proud of the people he loved.
A steady presence in his community, Bob owned and operated Bob Boruff Auto Sales, a livelihood shaped by hard work and reliability. Alongside his dedication, there was also a welcome sense of humor, always having a quick response to make everyone laugh.
Bob found enjoyment in masonry and took special pleasure in collecting model cars. He also valued time away with those closest to him, embracing vacations and travel, and making a point to seek out new restaurants.
He is survived by his loving wife Patsy; children Jamey Boruff, Jason Boruff, Wendy Edwards (Robert), and Nicole Harding (Damian); grandchildren Eric Edwards, Jacob Edwards, Ephraim Freeman, Jada Mocanu (Chris), Adam Harding (Katelyn), and Brian Harding; as well as four great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Bob is preceded in death by his brother Richard Boruff (Dorothy) and daughter-in-law Jennifer Boruff.
There will be a private graveside service for the family.
Bernice “Sue” Blackwell
Bernice “Sue” Blackwell, 91, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on June 20, 2026. She was born on December 25, 1934, to the late Albert and Bessie Richards.
Sue owned and operated Don’s Dairy Barn in Muncie, IN, and also owned two trailer parks in Okeechobee, Florida, with her husband Don.
In the rhythms of everyday life, Sue found joy in simple things: yard work, flowers, and time outdoors. Okeechobee, Florida, held a special place in her heart, as did being on the water, taking vacations with her sisters Polly, Kay, and Brenda, and enjoying trips to the casino. She cherished spending time with her son Timmy Wise before his passing in 2023.
Sue was a lifetime member of the VFW, the American Legion, and The Eagles, maintaining lasting ties to organizations that mattered to her and reflecting a loyalty that endured through the years.
Those who knew Sue knew she could be a “spitfire.” That same force, paired with her resilience, leaves a lasting imprint on those who loved her.
She is survived by her daughters Cynthia Lewman and Jeannie Rouse; siblings Polly Tollett, Kay McElhone, Troy Richards, and Brenda Smith; grandchildren Heather Lewman, Michelle Lechien, Regina Rouse, Robin Rouse, and Ashlee Page; as well as many great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
In addition to her parents and son, Sue is preceded in death by her husband Donald Blackwell and siblings Gene Richards, Hazel Billingsley, and Mike Richards.
There will be no services at this time, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, Texas 75284.