Jeanette Louise (Houston) Meranda, Sandra Sue Trueblood, Sherman Sumner Allen, Dawnita Kay Nutter

Jeanette Louise (Houston) Meranda

Jeanette Louise (Houston) Meranda, 61, passed away Sunday, May 11, 2025, at her home in Kokomo, IN. She fought a long, hard battle with Crohn’s disease and pancreatitis. She spent many years doing experiments and helping them come up with cures and what would and wouldn’t help other patients. She was born in Muncie, IN, on November 26, 1963, the daughter of the late Sam David Houston III and Sharon Louise (Berg) Houston.

Jeanette was a 1982 graduate of Monroe Central High School. She had also attended Calvary Christian School. She earned an associate’s degree in early childhood education from Ivy Tech. She really enjoyed being a preschool teacher. She also spent many years working at Walmart, Howard Community Hospital, and the American Legion #353 in Farmland, IN. She made many lifelong friends throughout her work.

Jeanette enjoyed being outdoors and going on adventures. She enjoyed going camping, mushroom hunting, exploring caves, and basically anything that involved spending time with her family and friends. That is what her life was all about. She found great joy in cooking and hosting parties for them. She loved singing, dancing, shopping, and taking vacations.

In the past, she was a member of the women’s auxiliary of the American Legion post #353. She stayed active in her kids’ lives and liked to be involved with their activities. She was once a Girl Scout leader for several years and really loved teaching vacation bible school. She was a member of Christian Heritage Worship Center.

She is survived by her children Alicia, Amanda, Kayden, and Kynsi, siblings Lisa Nelson and Larry Houston, grandchildren Kameron, Kassidy, Karley, Kayleb, Kaitlyn, and Karson, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She also left behind her beloved family cat Khloe.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Sam David Houston IV, and the father of her children Douglas Wayne Meranda.

A funeral service celebrating Jeanette’s life will take place at 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Devan Cole officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Elm Ridge Cemetery at a later date. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Sandra Sue Trueblood

Sandra Sue Trueblood, 77, Greentown, passed away at 5:53 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2025, at Century Villa Healthcare in Greentown. Born February 21, 1948, in Kokomo, she was the daughter of the late Van & Eula Mae (Wheeler) Emery. On July 21, 1969, in Kokomo, she married Encil Trueblood who preceded her in death on December 1, 2020.

Sandra graduated from Eastern High School in 1966. Her early years in Kokomo laid the foundation for a lifetime of meaningful connections and cherished traditions. A gifted craftswoman, Sandra found great fulfillment in creating beautiful things with her hands. She had a special talent for crocheting and cross stitching and was known for making heartfelt blankets for friends and family. She loved collecting hummingbirds and antique glasswork as well. She proudly entered both crocheted items and her collected pieces into the State Fair, showcasing her dedication to artistry and tradition. Sandra and Encil created countless memories traveling side by side, a passion that brought them joy and adventure throughout their years together. She lived a life marked by creativity, devotion to family, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life.

Sandra’s life was one of quiet strength and enduring love. Whether through the warmth of a handmade blanket or the sparkle of an antique glass piece displayed at the fair, she left behind tokens of care that will be treasured for generations.

Family was at the heart of Sandra’s world. She is lovingly remembered by her sons Christopher (Alari) Trueblood, Erick Trueblood, and Joe (Myra) Trueblood, her grandchildren Athena Marie Trueblood, Melody Aileen Trueblood, Chloe Elizabeth Trueblood, Lily Grace Trueblood, Jacob Encil Trueblood, Jonoah Roberto Trueblood, and Josiah Joseph Trueblood, her siblings Sharon Blanco and Van Emery Jr., as well as sisters-in-law Janet (Mike) Brankle and Midge Trueblood.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Encil, sister Julie Ann Summers, and brother Robert Emery.

Funeral service will be held at noon Friday, May 23, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Bill Duncan officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the funeral home.

Sherman Sumner Allen

Sherman Sumner Allen, 82, passed away on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Kokomo.

Sherman served with the United States Army from 1960-1963.

Sherman is survived by his wife Mary Jane Allen, daughter Marian (Greg) Greer, grandson Joshua Jarrett, and sisters Joan (John) Jensen and Judy Lafollette.

Sherman was preceded in death by his son Shawn S. Allen, brother Terry Allen, and parents Paul Allen and Alice (Allen) Lafollette.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Cory Grove Church in Bondurant, Iowa, on June 7, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. for family and friends.

Dawnita Kay Nutter

Dawnita Kay Nutter, 73, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on May 18, 2025. Born April 3, 1952, in Wabash, Indiana, she was the daughter of the late John O. and Gladys L. (Buskirk) Patton. On October 2, 1976, she married Dennis Nutter, who preceded her in death on November 1, 2019. Together they shared many years of companionship and devotion.

Dawnita graduated from Haworth High School in 1970 and later earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from Indiana University at Kokomo. She was a devoted member and Rabbi of Congregation Yeshivat Tzion. Her commitment to her faith community extended beyond spiritual leadership—she was also a dedicated volunteer at the Congregation’s food pantry, offering her time and care to those in need. Dawnita’s life was marked by faith, service, and love for her family. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.

She is survived by her daughter Tressa (James) Green, siblings Larry Patton and Joe (Jeanie) Patton, grandchildren Ce'Nedra (Matt) Butcher, Alaric Green, and Garrett (Katelyn) Green, and great-grandchildren Ambrielle and Bowen Butcher.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister Diane Watson.

In keeping with Dawnita’s wishes, no services will be held. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation. Memorial contributions may be made in Dawnita’s memory to the Kokomo Community Cats, PO Box 85, Kokomo, IN 46903.