Theresa L. Berg, Carolyn Joy Barker Smith, Rick Lane Sutton, Linda Lou Fording, Reita Kay Maupin, David Wayne Fritz, Michael Adams
Theresa L. Berg
Theresa L. Berg, 68, of Kokomo and formerly of Kempton, passed away on Friday, June 26, 2026, in Kokomo. She was born in Tipton on September 27, 1957, the daughter of Floyd & Ethel (Pearson) Brown. She married David R. Berg in 1994, and he survives.
Theresa was certified as an Emergency Medical Technician, helping many people over the years. She had worked at Federal Mogul in Frankfort and with disabled patients in Sheridan. Theresa enjoyed playing games on her phone, and she especially enjoyed being a grandmother.
Survivors besides her husband Dave include her daughter Kelley Geesy and husband Ryan of Anderson, and one granddaughter Nikita Evans, with another grandchild on the way. She was preceded in death by her brother Michael Brown and her parents Floyd and Ethel.
Theresa’s funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, at Young-Nichols Funeral Home, with Steve Brown presiding. Burial will follow in Kempton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until the start of the service.
Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to assist the Berg family in this difficult time. Please leave your online condolences for Theresa’s family on her obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.
Carolyn Joy Barker Smith
Carolyn Joy Barker Smith, 96, formerly of Windfall and Cicero, died Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Traditions at Solana in Indianapolis. She was born in Windfall on April 10, 1930, to Glen “Dick” and Byrona B. (Riffe) Barker.
Carolyn worked with her father at Solar Petroleum and later performed clerical work at the Union State Bank in Windfall, the Union Bank and Trust in Kokomo, and transitioned to working at Delco in Kokomo, where she retired in 1998. She was a member of the Windfall Christian Church. She was a very active individual, working as an Indianapolis 500 Festival volunteer, and bowling with her team when they won a wonderful trip. She also earned her pilot’s license. Her love of sports cars was apparent as she was often seen driving her convertible into her 90s. She spent her later years enjoying her love of living on the water.
Survivors include her son Perry “Monte” Smith and wife Lea of Tipton, daughter Cynthia “Cindy” Henry of Carmel, and grandchildren Miranda Spitznagle (Matt), Jake Henry, Jared Henry (Erica), Wyatt Henry (Brittney), Stacia Renbarger (Troy), and Evan Smith (Morgan). Carolyn was blessed with 21 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her brothers Robert “Bob” Barker and Richard Barker and son-in-law Bill Henry.
Visitation will be held from noon to 2:00 p.m. om Friday, July 3, at the Windfall Christian Church with the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. and the burial following the service.
Memorial donations may be made to the Windfall Christian Church and the Windfall Alumni Association
Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to assist the Smith family in their time of need. Online condolences may be made on Carolyn’s obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.
Rick Lane Sutton
Rick Lane Sutton, 76, passed away on March 6, 2026, in Yuma, AZ. Born on March 13, 1949, in Kokomo, Indiana, Rick was a dedicated educator and a beloved family man. He graduated from Kokomo High School in 1967 and furthered his education at Indiana University Bloomington, earning his degree in 1971.
Rick’s career in education spanned 38 years, beginning with a year teaching history at Western High School. He then returned to his alma mater Kokomo High School, where he spent 37 years shaping minds as a history teacher, debate coach, Social Studies department head, and eventually vice principal. His commitment to education and his positive influence on his students and colleagues were profound and enduring.
Rick was a hardworking, caring, and loving husband, father, and grandfather with a positive attitude toward life. He is survived by his wife Anna Sutton; sons CJ Sutton, Ben Sutton, and Jake Shirek (Gabrielle Shirek); stepson Taylor Shirek (McKenna Shirek); grandchildren Zion, Maya, and Noa; and sister-in-law Rosemary Snow. He was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Ruth Sutton, and brothers Jon and Tom Sutton.
Outside of his professional life, Rick cherished the outdoors. He enjoyed bicycle riding and taking long walks with his wife and their two dogs Lucy and Doc. These simple pleasures brought great joy to Rick and his family.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Elite Event Center, 2820 S LaFountain St., Kokomo, IN, on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 4-8 PM. All are welcome to come and celebrate Rick’s life and legacy.
Linda Lou Fording
Linda Lou Fording, 77, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on June 26, 2026. She was born on December 7, 1948, in Forge, Tennessee, and lived a life marked by love, faith, generosity, and devotion to her family.
Linda was born to Lunis and Cora Shoffner and grew up with the values of hard work, kindness, and perseverance that would guide her throughout her life. She carried those values into every season of her journey and was known by those who loved her as a woman who gave freely of her time, her care, and her heart. She was loving, generous, and passionate, and those qualities were evident in the way she treated her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.
She worked and retired from Chrysler after 17 years of dedicated service. Her work ethic and commitment were admired by those who knew her professionally, and she took pride in the years she spent there. Outside of work, Linda found her greatest joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. She loved attending her Bible study groups, where her Christian faith was nurtured and shared with others. Her faith was an important part of who she was, and it gave her strength, comfort, and purpose throughout her life.
Above all else, Linda cherished her family. She loved being surrounded by those she held dear and treasured every moment spent with them. She is survived by her husband Jack Fording; her children James L. Hammac and his wife Wendy, and Tosha Lundsford; her stepsons Mike Fording and Tim Fording; her grandchildren Linda Hammac, Kaedince Bradburn, Briley Bradburn, Brandalynn Fording, and Emberly Lundsford; her great-grandchildren Sally Hammac and Halo Hammac; and numerous extended loving family members who will continue to carry her memory in their hearts.
Linda also found joy in listening to audio books, a pastime that brought her comfort and companionship. She especially loved feeding the hummingbirds and watching them, finding peace and delight in their beauty and movement. These quiet moments reflected the gentle spirit she brought to life each day. Her home and her presence were made warmer by her thoughtful nature and her deep appreciation for the world around her.
She was preceded in death by her parents Lunis and Cora Shoffner; her son Paul Hammac; her grandson James E. Hammac; and 15 siblings, along with her stepsons Gary Fording and Larry Fording. Their memories remained close to her heart, and she carried the love of family with her throughout her life.
Linda Lou Fording will be remembered for her faithful spirit, her generous heart, and the love she gave so freely to those around her. Her life was a blessing to her family and all who knew her, and her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.
There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date. City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Reita Kay Maupin
Reita Kay Maupin, 81, Kokomo, passed away at 5:35 a.m. Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Brickyard Healthcare in Kokomo. She was born June 28, 1944, in Kokomo, the daughter of the late Irvin & Edna (Chenoweth) Turner. On December 18, 1982, she married Wendell Maupin, who preceded her in death on July 27, 2002.
Reita was a 1962 graduate of Kokomo High School. She retired from Kokomo Pump Supply in 2017 after 45 years of service. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary and a past member of the Moose and the American Legion. Reita enjoyed computer puzzles and was an avid glass collector, some of which was Greentown glass.
Reita is survived by her children Lisa (Skip) Nelson, Kent (Susie) Heavilin, and Mark (Lori) Maupin; nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Reita was preceded in death by her parents; husband Wendell Maupin; son Mike Maupin; and siblings Marvin Turner and Margie Fitch.
In keeping with Reita’s wishes, no services will be held. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with cremation.
David Wayne Fritz
David Wayne Fritz, 62, of Logansport, Indiana, passed away on June 24, 2026, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born on May 30, 1964, in Kokomo, Indiana, and lived a life marked by love, humor, and a spirited presence that touched everyone who knew him.
David was a gifted auto mechanic whose skill, dedication, and natural understanding of engines earned him the respect of many. He had a true talent for working with his hands and took pride in every repair, project, and challenge he encountered. Whether he was diagnosing a problem, rebuilding a vehicle, or sharing advice with someone who needed help, he approached his work with patience and confidence. His ability to bring cars and motorcycles back to life reflected the care and determination that defined so much of who he was.
Outside of work, David found joy in the things that made life meaningful to him. He loved working on cars and motorcycles, and he especially loved riding his motorcycle whenever he had the chance. The open road brought him peace and excitement, and it was one of the many ways he embraced the freedom he cherished. Music was another deeply important part of his life. He loved playing guitar, had a deep appreciation for many different genres of music, and understood the way music could shape a memory, lift the spirit, and bring people together. He also enjoyed going fishing, where he could relax and enjoy the quiet moments that he valued. In his younger years, he was also involved in martial arts, an interest that reflected his discipline, focus, and strength.
David will be remembered by those who loved him as a loving, funny, and spirited man. He had a way of making people laugh and feel at ease, and his personality left a lasting impression on family and friends alike. His sense of humor and lively nature brought warmth to many gatherings, and his presence will be deeply missed. He carried himself with a combination of toughness and tenderness that made him someone others could count on, and his memory will remain a source of comfort to those who were fortunate enough to know him.
He was preceded in death by his parents David and Marlene Fritz and by his brother Daniel Fritz. Their memory remained an important part of his life, and he now joins them in eternal rest. He is survived by his children Clayton Sparling and his wife Corinne, David Fritz, James Fritz, and Heather Fritz and her husband Bryan Roadruck. He also leaves behind his stepmother Rosetta Fritz; his sisters Letha Fritz, Angie Nease, Bonnie Lambert, Rose Daniels and her husband Ronnie, and Ramona Widner; his brother John Widner; and Dale (Suzan) Sefton. David was a proud grandfather to Aura, Leia, Josslyn, Davey, Willow, Valic, Sevrin, Lilith, Zane, Simarah, Josiah, and Skyla. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom will carry his memory forward with love.
The family and friends of David Wayne Fritz will remember him for the many ways he enriched their lives. His hands, his heart, and his spirit were all part of the legacy he leaves behind. Though his time on earth has come to an end, the impact of his life will continue to be felt in the stories shared, the lessons learned, and the love he gave so freely. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Michael Adams
Michael Adams, 51, of Kokomo, passed away at 2:48 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2026. He was born on January 24, 1975, the son of Walter James Adams Jr. and Gloria Jean (Williams) Bennett.
Michael worked locally in manufacturing. He enjoyed fishing and being outdoors. Michael would like to listen to music, make people laugh, and flirt. He often liked to travel and liked cars. He was learning forgiveness and building relationships with his children. Most of all, he loved his grandchildren.
Michael is survived by his children Sierra (Akijiun) Larry, Zarrcarrean Williams, Shjnatau Williams, Mercedes Richey, Porscha Richey, Jadin Smith, Mikailya (Kevin Burgess) Williams, Amya Donovan, Martez Donovan, A’ziah Adams, A’lexiz Adams, Nevaeh McKinney, and MaLeah McKinney; stepson Brenton McKay; many beloved grandchildren; mother Gloria (Charles) Bennett; and sisters Vivian (Donald) Reddick and Lucinda Williams.
He was preceded in death by his father; sister Angela Williams; and daughter Michelle Williams.
The family would appreciate donations to be made to Shirley & Stout Funeral Home to assist with final expenses.