Obituaries, March 11, 2024

Written on 03/11/2024


Judith (Judy) Ann Petty

Judith (Judy) Ann Petty, 90, Greentown, passed away March 9, 2024, at Century Villa Nursing home. She was born December 12, 1933, in Amboy IN. The oldest of 3 children to Thomas Dale and Ruby Kelsay (Kendall). She graduated from Converse High School in 1952. On November 26, 1960, she married Walter R. Petty.

Judy was a former instructor at Wright's beauty school. She was a hairdresser and homemaker. She won several awards for her hair designs. Walt and Judy spent their retirement years in North Port, Florida, where she enjoyed hosting gatherings with friends and neighbors. Judy enjoyed shopping and decorating her home. She collected turtles. They returned to Kokomo in 2013, so she could enjoy spending more time with the great grandchildren.

Judy is survived by daughter Dianna (Riggle) Wolfinger (Todd), Port Charlotte, FL; granddaughters, Amber Brantley (Kristopher), Harmony Cook (Matt) Kokomo, grandson Derrick Turner (Jessica King), Port Charlotte, FL; greatgrandchildren, Brooklyn Brantley, Justin Brantley, Marla Murray, and Kailin Cook; sister-in-law Sharon Kelsay, Little Rock AR, sister-in-law Maria Kelsay. She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Fred and Bruce Kelsay, and husband Walter Petty.

Visitation will be 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Friday, March 15, 2024, at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home 2097 West Alto Road Kokomo, Indiana 46902. Funeral service will begin at 2:00 PM. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Share a memory with the family at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com. Memorial contributions can be made to Guardian Angel Hospice in memory of Judith Ann Petty.



Ronald A. Spurgeon

Ronald A. Spurgeon, known affectionately as Ron to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2024, in his hometown of Logansport, Indiana. Born into this close-knit community, Ron's life was a testament to his dedication to his family, his work, and his passions.

Ron graduated from Logansport High School before furthering his education at ITT Tech in Indianapolis, where he became a skilled electronic engineer. His career spanned over two decades at Rockwell and five years at Chrysler in manufacturing, where his expertise and work ethic were highly valued by his colleagues.

Ron's life outside of work was filled with adventure and joy. He had a profound love for the outdoors, often found riding his beloved Harley motorcycle, feeling the freedom of the open road. He cherished the time spent fishing and boating, the tranquility of the water reflecting his calm and gentle nature. Water skiing was another of Ron's talents, and he relished the exhilaration it brought him. His love of the country and the river was a constant source of peace for him.

Drag racing was a thrill that Ron enjoyed both as a spectator and participant. The roar of the engines and the rush of speed were experiences that he looked forward to with great anticipation. Yet, it was the quieter moments chilling with his family and friends that truly filled Ron's heart with happiness.

Ron was a man of many virtues, best described as funny, handy, and gentle. His sense of humor brought laughter to any gathering, his handiness ensured that friends and family always had a go-to person for fixes, and his gentle demeanor provided comfort and reassurance.

He is survived by his loving children, Chad Spurgeon and Heather Kenworthy, Danielle Herd, and Nicholas Spurgeon and his husband Mark. Ron's legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren, Austin Fernandes and Alexa Spurgeon, and his adored great-grandchildren, Lincoln Fernandes and Ivy Baro. He also leaves behind his sister, Donna Kleinman, and son-in-law, Brian Herd. The mother of his children, Holly Spurgeon, shares in the loss of this remarkable man. Ron was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Fultz Spurgeon, and father, Donald Spurgeon.

Ron's life was a reflection of the well-known quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, "To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children... to leave the world a bit better... to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." Ron indeed succeeded in every aspect of this sentiment, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

As we say goodbye to Ronald A. Spurgeon, we celebrate a life lived to the fullest, marked by laughter, love, and the pursuit of happiness. His spirit will forever be cherished and remembered by all who were fortunate to cross his path. Ron's journey through life was a beautiful ride, and though he has reached his final destination, the memories he created will continue to inspire and uplift us all.

City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with arrangements. To plant a tree in Ronald's memory, visit www.cityoffirstscremations.com.