Jerry L. Pence, Barbara S. Watson, Susan Gail Thacker Healton, Mary Helen Webb, Debbie Sue Heinlen, Shawnna Noel Weaver
Jerry L. Pence
Surrounded by the love of his family, Jerry L. Pence, 86, of Greentown, peacefully passed away at 10:34 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo.
Jerry was born on August 16, 1939, in Grant County, Indiana, to Ralph and Bernice (Davis) Pence. On May 26, 1963, he married Barbara Hatfield at Jerome Christian Church. Together they built a life centered on faith in Christ, family, and hard work, sharing more than 63 years of marriage.
Jerry graduated from Eastern High School in 1957 and began working at Delco Electronics that same summer. Later that year, he proudly joined the United States Air Force, where he served for four and a half years, attaining the rank of Airman Second Class. After returning home, he resumed his career at Delco, working as a pipefitter for 42 years until retiring on August 1, 1998.
From the outside, Jerry could seem quiet, serious, and even a little intimidating. Those fortunate enough to know him knew a man with a soft heart, unwavering loyalty, and a deep love for his family. He wasn’t one to seek the spotlight or express his feelings with many words. Instead, he showed his love through his steady presence, his willingness to help, and the countless ways he cared for those around him. His greatest joy came from spending time with Barbara, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They were his pride and joy, and he cherished every moment shared with them.
Jerry believed in hard work, and in addition to his career at Delco, he spent many years farming with his dad. He also had a lifelong passion for harness horse racing, serving as an owner, trainer, and driver over the years. He took exceptional care in doing things well, whether tending to his horses, lending a hand to someone in need, or mowing his lawn with perfectly straight stripes that became one of his trademarks.
A man of deep faith and commitment to his community, Jerry was a longtime member of Jerome Christian Church, UAW Local 292, and the Greentown Masonic Lodge for more than 62 years.
Jerry is survived by his devoted wife Barbara Pence; his daughter Gayle (Brian) Beachy; his son Doug Pence; his grandchildren Eric (Jess) Beachy, Emily Beachy Edwards, Isaac (Alivia) Beachy, and Reona Pence; his great-grandchildren Leo Edwards, Sawyer Edwards, and Ivy Lane Parrow; and his sister Janet (Max) Smith.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Bernice Pence; his brothers Larry and Ronnie Pence; and his sister Nancy Hosier.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Jerome Christian Church, 9535 E. 100 S., Greentown, with Elder Dick Moser officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Air Force and the Greentown American Legion. A Masonic service will also be conducted at the graveside.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hasler & Stout Funeral Home in Greentown.
Barbara S. Watson
Barbara S. Watson, 84, of Tipton, died peacefully at The Waters of Tipton on Monday, July 6, 2026. She was born in Tipton in the fall of 1941 on October 1. Her parents were Herbert and Margaret (Bitner) McNew. She married William “Bill” Watson on February 8, 1974.
Barbara was a homemaker who enjoyed providing a wonderful atmosphere for her family. She was an exceptional shopper, attending many flea markets, garnering the best deal she could make. Throughout the basketball season she enjoyed rooting for her Indiana Hoosiers team. Barbara had the best time being with family, creating very meaningful memories.
Survivors include her husband Bill, stepson Ronnie Watson and wife Terry, step-daughter-in-law Charlotte Watson, five step-grandchildren Craig William Watson, Alyssa Kate Kummick and husband Jonathan, Richard A. Watson and wife Tiffany, Katrina Edwards and husband Chad, and Tabitha Thompson and husband William. She has 11 step-great-grandchildren: Morgan Gabor, Conner Kummick, Emma Kummick, Owen Watson, Harper Watson, Kelby Sullivan, Korbin Roberts, Sam Edwards, Jayce Edwards, Blake (Sylvia) Edwards, and Cayman Thompson. Barbara was blessed with one step-great-great-grandchild Shepherd Edwards. She was preceded in death by stepson Donnie Watson.
A graveside funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, July 9 at 12:15 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery, with Steve Brown presiding. Visitation will occur prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. until noon at Young-Nichols Funeral Home.
Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to assist the Watson family in this difficult time. Please leave your online condolences for Barbara’s family on her obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 681405, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268.
Susan Gail Thacker Healton
Susan Gail Thacker Healton returned to her heavenly home on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
Sue was born on October 25, 1948, in Hagerstown, Maryland, to June Mary Pierce and Vikrama (Vic) Nainsingh Thacker.
She graduated from Arlington High School in Virginia in 1966, then moved to Kokomo, Indiana, to join her parents and younger sister, who had relocated the year before when Vic became president of the Dirilyte Company.
She was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kokomo in 1967. Here she learned of her loving Heavenly Father and developed a relationship with her savior Jesus Christ. She served diligently in multiple positions in the church; it was the perfect place for her to share her innumerable gifts and abilities – benefitting the lives of many. It was also there that she met the love of her life, the quiet, brilliant, and handsome Robert Lawrence Healton.
She and Larry raised five daughters: Peggy Frye of Kokomo, Indiana; Dr. Melinda (Dr. Stuart) White of Lafayette, Indiana; Andrea Healton, currently of Kokomo, Indiana; Tamara (Todd) Keller of Carmel, Indiana; and Kimberly (Josh) Walker of American Fork, Utah. Sue and Larry provided the safety and love that was lacking in Sue’s childhood home and blessed their daughters with their many skills and talents that brought magic, music, creativity, compassion, laughter, and love of literature into their lives.
Having struggled with a learning disability through childhood, Sue didn’t learn to read until she was a young mother watching Sesame Street with her girls. Little was known about learning disabilities at the time, and she developed strategies to help young people and adults learn how to overcome them. She was one of the founding members of the ACLD in Kokomo and tutored students at Indiana University Kokomo and in her home, using the methods she’d pioneered.
Sue earned her Realtor’s license and later became a broker. She was a passionate advocate for her clients and relished helping them find their perfect homes.
She was an avid crafter and exquisite seamstress. She could make anything she put her mind to.
She lived to serve and was an educator through and through, teaching classes on everything from emergency preparedness to dehydrating food, making yogurt, or baking bread.
She deeply cherished the times spent with her grandchildren and wished she could have made more memories with them and her great-grandchildren.
After graduating high school, she took nursing classes in Ohio and later spent a semester at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Then, at the age of 53, Sue began taking more college courses and was recognized as an Outstanding Student by the Computer Graphics Technology Department of Purdue University School of Technology at Kokomo. She was highly skilled at computer graphics and started Memories for Always to restore photos for those hoping to preserve them.
Sue was preceded in death by her parents and three siblings.
She is survived by her husband and five daughters, 11 grandchildren, six bonus grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and six grand-dogs.
The assistance we were blessed with during the last 16 months has meant the world to us. We wish to thank the amazing staff at Southern Care Hospice for their generosity, consideration, and dedication. We also wish to thank Angela Ennis for providing mom with immeasurable care and concern.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Riley Children’s Hospital or the ASPCA in Sue’s memory.
A viewing will be at Ellers Mortuary, 3400 S. Webster St., on Sunday, July 12, from 4-6 p.m. Family may arrive an hour earlier. On Monday, July 13, there will be an hour for viewing at 9:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (332 W, County Road 300 S) The funeral will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a graveside service at Albright Cemetery.
Mary Helen Webb
Mary Helen Webb, 92, went home to the Lord on July 4, 2026. She was born on August 28, 1933, in Hawkins County, TN, to the late Johnny and Eliza Carpenter. Helen lived a life marked by steady devotion to family and the quiet strength of a hardworking spirit.
Helen spent many years working at Kroger, where she took genuine enjoyment in her time there, and she also worked at Delco. Above all, Helen was a wonderful mother who adored her children and grandchildren. Known as “Mamaw” to many, she found her greatest joy in the simple, meaningful moments: playing games with her grandchildren. She especially cherished the warmth of the Florida sun while walking on the beach.
Helen will be remembered with respect and gratitude, and her love will remain a lasting presence in the lives of those who knew her.
She is survived by her daughters Kathy Courtney and Connie Sexton; grandchildren Michelle Glosser (Brad), Jim Pierce, Carol Ann Powell, Anthony Shelly, Susie Lorsung (Jeff), Amy Christopher (Alan), Gary Webb, Jamey Turner, Brooke Turner, Holly Turner, Nicholas Sexton, Adam Sexton (Stephanie), and Cassie Wright (Tim); 31 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great grandchildren, and one great-great-great grandchild.
In addition to her parents, Helen is preceded in death by two children Linda Shelly and Gary Webb; son-in-law Chuck Courtney; and six siblings Bea Barnes, Ina Walker, Jim Carpenter, Midge Ross, Betty Bean, and Dave Carpenter.
Helen’s family would like to thank the staff of Legacy at Waterford for their loving and compassionate care.
She will be laid to rest privately on Monday, July 13, in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery.
Debbie Sue Heinlen
Debbie Sue Heinlen, 63, of Kokomo, passed away Sunday, July 5, 2026, at her home. She was born on January 30, 1963, the daughter of Dave and Geneva (Gross) Reed. On November 7, 1997, she married Shannon Cameron Heinlen in Kokomo, IN, and he survives.
Debbie worked as a server at Red Lobster for 23 years. She enjoyed sewing, cooking and spending time with her 10 grandchildren.
Debbie is survived by her husband; siblings Claudia Miracle, Mary Shore, Mike (Missy) Reed, Dave Reed, Tammy (Bill) Brown, Judy (Joe) Rodecap, Lou (Jedd) Hancock, and Mary McCoy; children Shannah Williams, Christopher Heinlen, Brittany Heinlen, Destinie Heinlen, D.J. Heinlen, and Alexis Heinlen; and 10 grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter Angela Music; sisters Carolyn Steele and Sharron Reddington; and brothers Willie Lackey and George Cleaver.
Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory have been entrusted with cremation.
Shawnna Noel Weaver
Shawnna Noel Weaver, born December 15, 1981, in Spokane, Washington, passed away on July 3, 2026, in Kokomo, Indiana. She was a beloved daughter, mother, sister, and friend whose life was marked by love, laughter, creativity, and a spirited presence that touched all who knew her.
Shawnna was born to Lisa Weaver Fisher and carried throughout her life a strong sense of devotion to her family. She was preceded in death by her stepfather Paul Fisher, and her grandmother Bonita Weaver Rhodes, both of whom held a special place in her heart. She is survived by her children Kira Pebley and Amira Pebley, and by her brother Trevor Weaver. Her family was the center of her world, and she found her greatest joy in being with her girls, whom she loved deeply and unconditionally.
Those who knew Shawnna will remember her for her funny, spirited, and loving nature. She had a way of bringing warmth and energy into every room she entered. Her sense of humor could brighten even the most difficult days, and her caring heart made others feel seen, valued, and appreciated. She was the kind of person who made lasting impressions through both her words and her actions, and she will be remembered for the kindness and authenticity she shared so freely.
Shawnna dedicated much of her working life to serving others. She was a manager at the Village Pantry, where she was respected for her leadership, reliability, and strong work ethic. Before that, she worked for Child Development Education, where her commitment and compassion were evident. In every role she held, Shawnna brought determination and care, and she took pride in doing her best. Her coworkers and those she served knew her as someone who could be counted on and who approached her responsibilities with sincerity and heart.
Beyond her work, Shawnna had many interests that reflected her creativity and personal style. She loved spending time with Kira and Amira, and those moments with her daughters were among the most meaningful in her life. She enjoyed getting her nails done, crafting, scrapbooking, and shopping, and she found joy in expressing herself through the things she made and the way she presented herself. Shawnna even designed her own shirts and jeans, a reflection of her talent and originality. She was very talented, and her creativity was one of the many gifts she shared with others.
Shawnna’s life was one of deep love, individuality, and spirited expression. She will be remembered for the laughter she brought, the love she gave, and the strength she showed throughout her life. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her children, her brother, her family, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Though her presence will be greatly missed, the impact of her life will remain as a lasting source of comfort and remembrance.
Her family and friends will forever cherish the moments they shared with Shawnna Noel Weaver. She leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, and joy that will continue to shine through those who carry her memory forward.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com