Obituaries, May 2, 2024

Written on 05/02/2024


CMSgt Emory Garnell Smiley, Sr.

On April 22, 2024, the world lost a beacon of love and compassion, as CMSgt Emory Garnell Smiley, Sr., aged 77, bid farewell to his earthly journey in Kokomo. Born in the serene town of Midway, Georgia, on September 5, 1946, to the late Emory and Adel Smiley, his presence was defined by a remarkable sense of kindness and empathy that touched all who knew him.

He leaves behind a profound legacy of love and joy that will forever be cherished by his beloved wife, Evelyn Smiley; his sons Tavis Smiley, Emory Garnell "Garnie" Smiley Jr., Paul Hinton (Tamika), Patrick Hinton, Maury Smiley, Rev. Derwin "Dubby" Smiley (Leah), Weldon Smiley (Kourtney), Trenton Smiley (Katy); his daughters Pamela Roberts and Phyllis Roberts; sisters Florence Wannamaker and Ella Jackson (Benjamin); an expansive family tree including 26 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A celebratory visitation in honor of CMSgt Smiley's life will take place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the N.L. Bluitt Jr. Funeral Chapel at 511 E. Monroe St. His final resting place will be Sunset Memory Gardens. The caring team at N.L. Bluitt Funeral Chapel is privileged to support the Smiley family during this difficult time.

In memory of CMSgt Emory Garnell Smiley's life well-lived, floral tributes can be sent starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, to N.L. Bluitt Funeral Chapel at 511 E. Monroe St, Kokomo, Indiana. Today we say goodbye to a man whose love knew no bounds but whose spirit will forever linger among us.



Ronald Shelton York

Ronald Shelton York, 63, of Russiaville, passed away at 4:42 P.M., Thursday, April 25, 2024. He was born in Peru, IN on January 7, 1961, the son of Sterling Shelton and Martha (Robinson) York. Ron married Kimberly Livengood on November 18, 1989, and she survives.

Ron was a 1979 graduate of Oak Hill High School and retired from Chrysler as a Material Handler, after 28 years of service. Ron was an avid IU basketball fan, enjoyed Oak Hill football and had a long-lived friendship with 4 of his buddies from high school, which they talked at least once a week.

Surviving in addition to his wife Kim, are his children Jeremy Lennon and Jesse (Ashley) Lennon; grandchildren Jaynya, Taylor, Kalyssa, Cayson, Reese, Avery, Jadelyn and Ryder; great-granddaughter Evelyn and a brother Darrell (Susann) York.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Max E. (Tina) York and John York and sisters Marlene York and Ruth Rojas.

Family and friends will gather from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., Saturday at the Laird-Eddy Funeral Home, 201 N. Main St., Amboy. A service celebrating the life of Ronald Shelton York will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Larid-Eddy Funeral Home, with Pastor Roy Jones officiating. Burial will be at Park Lawn Cemetery.

Family and friends may leave a memory or message of condolence by visiting the online obituary at www.eddyfuneralhomes.com or on Facebook at Eddy Funeral Homes, Inc.



Ray Sisney

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father Ray Sisney, a man who made amends and showed his unwavering love for his family in his later years. Ray's journey was not without its challenges, but he made every effort to make up for lost time and ensure his children felt his care and affection.

As a father, Ray deeply regretted the missed opportunities in his children's lives. However, in their adult years, he did everything he could to rebuild the relationships that had suffered. Ray worked to mend the bonds with his children and create new memories together. His genuine efforts and commitment to his family were a testament to his love and remorse to how things turned.

His willingness to make amends and his determination to be there for his children in their adult lives were truly remarkable. He embraced the opportunity to be a guiding presence, offering support, wisdom, and love whenever it was needed and sometimes when it wasn't. His dedication to being a better father and his sincere efforts to make up for lost time were deeply appreciated by his children, and they will surely miss him.

Beyond his role as a father, Ray was a loyal friend and a source of strength for those in need. He extended his love and support to others, showing compassion and empathy in every interaction. Ray's generosity of spirit and willingness to lend a helping hand left a lasting impact on the lives he touched.

As we bid farewell to Ray Sisney, let us remember him as a man who, despite his past shortcomings, found the courage to make amends and show his unwavering love. May his journey serve as a reminder of the power of redemption and the importance of cherishing the bonds of family.

Rest in peace dad. Your efforts to reconcile and love deeply will be cherished forever, as your memory continues to bring comfort and inspiration to those who were fortunate enough to have known you.

A memorial service will be held for Ray on Sat., May 4, at noon at Fairfield Christian Church, 1476 E, CR 400 S, Kokomo. City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com



Julia Marie Carpenter

Julia Marie Carpenter, 98, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away April 29, 2024. She was born on February 21, 1926, in Kokomo, IN, the daughter of J.A. Sapp. She married Chester Wilford Carpenter on July 5, 1941. She was devoted to her church and the Salvation Army. She also loved to sew and take care of her family.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Carl (Nancy) Carpenter, Leslie D. (The late Debbie) Carpenter, Keith (Terri) Carpenter, Roger Dale Carpenter; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; special nieces and nephews that were very close to her; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband, Chester; twin siblings, Frederick Carpenter and Annette Anderson; son, Daniel Carpenter

Visitation will take place from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Monday, May 6, 2024, at Woodland Church of God. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Woodland Church of God, 3401 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, IN. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery Kokomo, Indiana. Share a memory with the family at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com.