Barbara “Barbi” Wood, Michael Charles Eller, O.D. Shelley, Martha Lee Hippensteel, Russell Junior Engle, Dennis Earl “Denny” Barkman, Karen Jane Yarnevic
Barbara “Barbi” Wood
Barbara “Barbi” Wood, of Tipton, Indiana, was called home to God on November 8, 2026, at the age of 52. Born on March 29, 1974, in Noblesville, Indiana, to Claude and Linda “Diane” Dial, Barbi lived a life defined by love, compassion, strength, and a personality that was truly one of a kind.
Barbi was strong-willed, caring, nonjudgmental, and had a heart of gold. She loved wholeheartedly and had a way of making people feel accepted just as they were. She was never one to shy away from speaking her mind, and her quick wit and ornery personality could keep anyone on their toes. She had a little sass, a lot of love, and a way of leaving an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. You always knew where you stood with Barbi, and you never had to question whether she cared.
Caring for others was simply in her nature. Beginning at just 17 years old, Barbi dedicated her working life to the healthcare field, where she spent years doing what came naturally to her: helping people. Her compassion wasn’t limited to her profession. She had a genuine love for serving others and never needed a reason to lend a helping hand, offer kindness, or show someone they mattered. She believed in loving people without judgment and treated others with the same open heart she carried throughout her life.
On September 16, 2000, Barbi married her husband Terry, beginning a life and family together that would become her greatest blessing. Above all else, her children and grandchildren were the light of her life. She loved her family fiercely and found her greatest joy in the moments spent with them. Whether through conversations, laughter, family gatherings, or the everyday little things, she made sure the people she loved knew they had a place in her heart. Her love was unconditional, and her family will forever carry that love with them.
When she wasn’t caring for others, Barbi found happiness in the things that allowed her to be creative and nurture what she loved. She enjoyed gardening, crafting, and trying new recipes. She took great pride in growing her ferns and succulents, and sunflowers always held a special place in her heart. Perhaps it was fitting that her favorite flower was one that followed the light, much like the warmth she brought to the people around her.
Her kitchen was another place where she shared her love. She enjoyed making homemade bread, especially topped with melted honey, and experimenting with new recipes. For Barbi, these simple pleasures were about more than hobbies. They were another way to create, share, and bring people together. The flowers she nurtured, the crafts she made, and the food she prepared will remain treasured reminders of the love she put into everything she did.
Barbi leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her memory, including her beloved husband Terry Wood; her children Zakkery (Macy) Jarrell of Elwood, Braydon Wood of Kokomo, Leah (Jason) Jarrell of Amboy, Nicholas Wood of Tipton, and Cerena Thatcher of Atlanta; and her five grandchildren Madden, Gracie, Harper, Layla, and Ivy, who were among her greatest joys.
She is also survived by her mother, Linda “Diane” Dial; her sisters and brothers Tami Lynch of Tipton, Michael Ross of Chicago, Illinois, Nicky Lynch of Atlanta, and Elizabeth Balser of Tipton; along with extended family members and many friends whose lives she touched.
Those who have gone before her and are now welcoming her home include her father Claude Dial; her brothers Robby Lynch and Bruce Lynch; her father-in-law Jerry Wood; her mother-in-law Linda Spivey; and her grandmothers Helen Pickard and Velma Dial.
Though our hearts are broken by her absence, Barbi leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured in years or accomplishments, but in the lives she touched and the love she gave. There will be sunflowers and cardinals that bring her to mind, gardens that remind us of her green thumb, homemade bread that will never quite taste the same, and family stories that will always bring a smile. And, of course, there will be moments when we hear a familiar bit of sass or wit and can almost imagine exactly what Barbi would have said.
She spent much of her life caring for others, nurturing the things she loved, and putting her whole heart into her family. Her hands may no longer be busy making, growing, and creating, but everything she poured her love into will continue to bloom.
Barbi’s greatest legacy isn’t what she leaves behind, but the love she planted in the hearts of everyone lucky enough to call her family or friend. She was one of a kind, loved beyond measure, and will be missed beyond words.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Young-Nichols Funeral Home on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the service immediately following.
Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate Barbi’s life, share memories, and honor the woman who meant so much to so many.
“I wish you all the love in the world, but most of all, I wish it from myself.” — Fleetwood Mac
Michael Charles Eller
Michael Charles Eller, age 62, of Sebring, Florida, passed away on November 3, 2026, at home. He was born on October 11, 1964, in Crawfordsville, raised by Marion and Richard Eller in Kokomo, Indiana.
Michael graduated from Northwestern High School, Class of 1983. He then joined the United States Army, proudly serving for six years, stationed in Germany. Michael worked several jobs, including Chrysler for 15 years, and later worked on oil rigs. He loved sports and watching the news from around the world. Michael was an excellent cook and served family meals during the holidays.
Michael is survived by his brothers Rick Eller and Kevin (Kelly) Brock and extended family.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, November 12, at 12 noon at Oak Hill South Cemetery on State Road 32 in Crawfordsville. Share memories and condolences at www.SandersFuneralCare.com.
O.D. Shelley
O.D. Shelley, 93 years old, of Kokomo, passed away 11:04 a.m. Friday, November 6, 2026, at Wellbrooke of Kokomo. He was born in Manntown, Kentucky, on April 18, 1933, the son of the late Luther Shelley Sr. and Gertrude (Elmore) Shelley. On June 6, 1953, he married Geneva Mae (Vickers), and she preceded him in death on July 13, 2026.
O.D. retired at 55 years old after 30 years of service as a laborer at Haynes International. After retirement, he drove cars for McGonigal’s, and he sold Christmas trees for the YMCA as a member of the Y’s Men. O.D. was a faithful member of First Landmark Baptist Church in Kokomo and never liked missing a service. His favorite hobbies were fishing, horseshoe pitching, and gardening. He was passionate about time spent with his family, especially at the annual Shelley family reunion. O.D. will be remembered for his ability to tell a great story or “dad” joke. He was the best Dad and Papaw that a child could have.
He is survived by his children Penny (Tim) Meadows and Linda (Rodney) Sprinkles; son-in-law Roger Shine; brother Glenn Shelley, Albany, KY; grandchildren Justin (Donna) Smith, Modesta Smith, James Shine, David (Mahasin) Shine, Noah Shine, Ethan Shine, Brittany (Matt) Schmeltzer, Katelyn (David) Rathbun, Jodi (Logan) Colwell, and Jessica Sprinkles; great-grandchildren Troy Smith, Olivia Smith, Owen Smith, Orianna Smith, Aiden Shine, Raven Shine, Elijah Rathbun, Riley Rathbun, and Lainey Colwell; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Luther and Gertrude Shelley; wife Geneva Shelley; daughters Diane Smith and Pam Shine; and siblings Luther Shelley Jr., Leonard Shelley, W.C. Shelley, Jimmy Shelley, and Ella Shelley Bullock.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. A funeral service celebrating O.D.’s life will begin noon on Saturday at the funeral home, with Pastor Jason Rumph officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery in Kokomo. In addition to flowers, contributions may be made in O.D.’s memory to First Landmark Baptist Church. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Martha Lee Hippensteel
Martha Lee Hippensteel, 88, of Carmel, passed away at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Bridgewater Healthcare Center. Martha was born on November 9, 1937, in Miami County. She was born to John and Mary (Kendall) Whitezel. On April 30, 1960, she married David Hippensteel in Kokomo. He preceded her in death on November 27, 2010.
Martha graduated from Northwestern High School in Howard County in 1955. She earned her associate degree in nursing from IUPUI in 1982 and became a registered nurse. Her nursing career included 18 years with Methodist Hospital and St. Vincent Stress Center in Indianapolis. Earlier in life, she worked for Prudential Life Insurance and devoted most of her time to her home and family.
A member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and its choir, Martha enjoyed music by playing the piano, organ, and singing. She also participated in the Primelife Enrichment Center in Carmel, doing water aerobics. A 10-year 4-H member, she helped her children become 10-year members as well. She enjoyed going to county fairs and the Indiana State Fair annually. She also attended 4-H Girls School at the Indiana State Fairgrounds when she was in high school.
Family was at the heart of Martha’s life. She enjoyed hosting family dinners and get-togethers for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and birthdays. She made homemade bread weekly and taught her children how to cook. She preserved family memories in scrapbooks and photo albums and liked sharing stories of “olden times.” She also cared for her husband David and her mother Mary for a number of years.
Martha’s many interests also included gardening, flowers, canning and freezing, sewing her own clothes, and upholstery work. She enjoyed reading, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, playing bridge, going to and having garage sales and looking for antiques, and regularly keeping in touch with extended family and her friends. She enjoyed going on vacations like snow skiing, going to where it was warm, and tour trips. Spending time with friends and going to family reunions brought her enjoyment.
She is survived by her daughter Beth Hippensteel; son Gary Hippensteel; sister Marilyn Whitezel Banks (Roger); sister-in-law Doris Hippensteel; and nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Gordon Wray Whitezel; and her brother-in-law Ben Hippensteel.
Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, November 16, 2026, at Leppert Mortuaries, 900 N. Rangeline Road, Carmel, followed by a funeral service at 12:30 p.m., with Doug Hamilton officiating. Private burial for the family and very close friends will take place at Summit Lawn Cemetery in Westfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Indiana Parkinson’s Foundation in Martha’s memory. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Russell Junior Engle
Russell Junior Engle, 98, of Galveston, passed away peacefully into Heaven on November 6, 2026. He was born in Tomball, Texas, on May 9, 1928, to the late Garl and Olga (Petrich) Engle. When he was 11 years old, his family relocated to Groomsville, Indiana, where he later graduated from Prairie High School.
In 1950, he married the love of his life Rose. Together, they built a beautiful life and shared 74 wonderful years of marriage.
Russell was a proud veteran who served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, stationed in Germany as a radio operator. Following his military service, he worked his entire career with Chrysler until his retirement in 1987.
Russell had a deep love for the outdoors and found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Each summer, he planted a large garden and generously shared its bounty with family, neighbors, and friends. He also took great pride in tending to his flowers.
Summers often found Russell fishing at the family cottage on the Wabash River. He had a special knack for fishing and could almost always out catch anyone who joined him. If you knew Russell, chances are you were the lucky recipient of some of his catch! When fall arrived, it was time for deer hunting. And when winter came, Russell and Rose headed to their home in Florida, where he could once again enjoy his favorite pastime of fishing.
Russell never met a stranger and made friends wherever he went. He loved visiting with people and could keep everyone entertained with stories for hours. He and Rose also enjoyed traveling together, exploring nearly all of the contiguous United States, as well as Alaska and Hawaii.
His faith was an important part of his life. Russell was an active member of McNeely Christian Church, where he participated in the men’s group and served faithfully as a deacon for many years. He never missed an opportunity to share how richly God had blessed him throughout his life.
Only second to the love of his Savior was Russell’s love for his family, of whom he was incredibly proud. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren brought him immeasurable joy, and he could often be heard bragging about them.
He is survived by his sister Shirley Totter; his son Michael; his daughter Catherine (Scott) Simpson; his granddaughters Allison (Doug) Spinks and Caitlin (Matthew) Shrack; and his great-grandsons Alec and Carson.
In memory of Russell, donations may be made to McNeely Christian Church, designated for the Youth Ministry.
Funeral services will be Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 12:00 noon at Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston, with Pastor Jeff Chitwood officiating. Burial will follow in the Galveston Cemetery, with military honors graveside. Friends and family may visit from 10:00 a.m. until service time at 12:00 noon at the funeral home. Murray Weaver Funeral Home is honored to serve the Engle Family.
Dennis Earl “Denny” Barkman
Dennis Earl “Denny” Barkman, of Kokomo, passed away Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Wellbrooke of Kokomo. He was born on November 23, 1940, in Rochester, Indiana. On August 17, 1963, he married Rhoda June Dodt in Royal Center, Indiana, and she survives.
Denny graduated from Rochester High School in 1958 and continued his education by earning an Associate degree from Lane Technical Institute. He furthered his education at Purdue University and Ball State University, earning both his Bachelor and Master degrees in education from Ball State University. His working years included farming, architectural drafting, teaching for five years at Northwestern School Corporation, and a career as an independent life and health insurance agent and broker. He retired in 2004.
A devoted family man, Denny was a loving and supportive father and grandfather who enjoyed fishing with his children and grandchildren. Music and singing were also important parts of his life, and he played trombone and sang in the University Choir while at Purdue. His many interests included wedding photography, making wedding cakes, and doing wedding catering with his wife for several years. He and Rhoda enjoyed traveling, taking cruises, visiting National Parks and family vacations. As a young man, he participated in Future Farmers of America, 4-H, and Scouting. He also served in the Indiana National Guard.
Denny gave his time to his church and community. He served as president of the Sunrisers Kiwanis Club and was active in the Golden K Kiwanis Club and their many annual projects supporting Riley Hospital for Children. He also served as district lieutenant governor of the Indiana District of Kiwanis, Sycamore North Division, from 2004-2005. At St. Luke’s Methodist Church (now ConneXion Church), he served as a trustee, on the staff-parish committee, and on the building committee during the church’s expansion and construction of a new sanctuary, and oversaw the building of the current parsonage. He was also active in the FaHoCha Class.
Surviving along with his wife Rhoda are his children Bartley Barkman, Denise Barkman Hiltner, and Bradley (Mary Ellen) Barkman; grandchildren Aubrie (Taylor) Mealer, Brock Hiltner, Kyle (Caitlin) Hiltner, Katelyn Barkman, Andrew Barkman, and Jacob Barkman; and four great-grandchildren Thea Mealer, Onyx Mealer, Odin Mealer, and Winnie Mealer; brothers-in-law Keven (Jackie) Dodt, Bruce Dodt, and Jean-Pierre Kane; sister-in-law Karen Barkman; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Janis (Walt) Barkman Diehm, David Barkman, and Karen Barkman Kane.
A service celebrating Denny’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 21, 2026, at ConneXion Church, 700 Southway Blvd. East, Kokomo, with Pastor Kevin Marsh officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from noon until service time on Saturday, November 21, at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Riley Children’s Hospital, ConneXion Church, or to Kiwanis International. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Karen Jane Yarnevic
Karen Jane Yarnevic, age 73, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on October 28, 2026. She was born on May 17, 1953, in Charleston, West Virginia.
Karen was the beloved daughter of Geraldine F. Hildebrand and Dewey W. Kinser. She grew up surrounded by family and carried those early bonds with her throughout her life. She was preceded in death by a lifetime of memories shaped by the people who knew and loved her best. Her family was an important part of who she was, and she treasured the relationships she built and maintained over the years.
She is remembered by her children Steven Brady, Joseph Brady, and Seth Vernon, as well as by several grandchildren. Karen also leaves behind her sisters Debroah Alderfer, Theresa Jenkins, and Lisa Beebout, and her brothers Dewey Kinser, Jeff Brown, Greg Brown, and Brian Hunt.
Karen worked in home health care for St. Joseph Hospital.
Outside of work, Karen enjoyed the simple joys that made life meaningful. She loved shopping and always enjoyed looking for a great deal. She also found happiness in fishing, camping, and spending time at yard sales, where she delighted in the fun of discovering something useful or unexpected. These interests reflected her practical nature and her appreciation for both adventure and the little treasures found along the way. She enjoyed life in a way that was grounded and full of personality.
Karen’s life was one of family, hard work, and cherished memories. She will be remembered for the many ways she touched the lives of those around her. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will live on in the stories shared by her family and friends, in the lessons she passed along.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Service by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com