Chiquita Sue Siler, James A. Washington, Lawrence James Hensley
Chiquita Sue Siler
Chiquita Sue Siler, 84, went to be with her Heavenly Father on July 31, 2025. She was the daughter of Ernest O. Short and Violet Lucille Short. Sue spent most of her life in Kokomo, Indiana, with a few years in Oceanside, California.
She was married to Ronald Lee Siler, her husband of 64 years.
She was a devoted mother to four children who loved her dearly: Ronald Lee Siler (Chris), Becky Sue Lockert, Danny Joe Siler (Jenny), and Jerry Allen Siler, who preceded her in death.
Sue was “Grams” to eight grandchildren who were her world: Jerry Allen Siler (Julie), Curtis Siler, Jake Siler (Mali), Kyle Kimmel (Cora), Susan Poston (Chris), Ashley Hampton (Will), Tracy Lockert (Bridget), and Sarah Lockert (Corey). She also leaves behind a host of great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy.
Sue is survived by her brothers Ronald Short and James Short and three sisters-in-law who were like sisters to her: Kathy Andrick, Coby Osborne, and Jolene Mason. She will also be dearly missed by her best friend Alicia Ancil and a loving circle of extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, mother, husband, two sisters, and her beloved son Jerry.
Mom’s greatest joy was spending time with her children and grandchildren. In their younger years, she especially loved having her grandchildren over for the summer. She found happiness in crafting beautiful pieces with plastic canvas, doing embroidery, and playing games on her phone. She was a big fan of the Royal Family on TikTok. especially concerned for Kate and found comfort in listening to Elvis Presley’s gospel music, which played during her final hours.
Sue had a tender heart for animals. She made sure Patty the opossum had food and water daily and was always watching out for the birds and her many beloved cats over the years. She leaves behind her calico cat Ginger.
A special thank you to the many in-home caregivers who helped care for Mom during her illness. She held the staff at Fresenius Kidney Care close to her heart, calling them friends, and she deeply appreciated the kindness of the staff at Quality Care Ambulance. Thank you all for loving her so well.
Services will be held at Northside Village, 2430 N. Jay Street, Kokomo, IN 46901 on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, followed by a graveside service at Kokomo Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 12:00 p.m. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.
James A. Washington
We mourn the passing of our beloved James A. Washington, who departed this life on August 1, 2025, at the age of 87.
Born on September 19, 1937, James lived a life marked by courage, service, and steadfast love for his family and country. A proud military veteran, he served with honor and distinction, carrying the values of duty and integrity throughout every season of his life.
James was more than a soldier. He was a guiding light, a gentle soul, and a source of quiet strength to all who knew him. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he inspired and protected.
Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this time of loss.
Rest well, James. Your service is complete, but your impact remains.
Visitation for James will take place from 9-11 a.m. on Sat., Aug. 9, at Second Missionary Baptist Church, 818 N. Apperson Way, followed by a funeral service from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the church. N.L. Bluitt, Jr., Funeral Chapel, Inc., was entrusted with the arrangements.
Lawrence James Hensley
Lawrence James Hensley, 87, New London, Indiana, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 4:49 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, at Summit Health and Living facility in Summitville, Indiana, next to his loving daughter.
Larry was born on July 9, 1938, in Kokomo, Indiana, to Melvin L. Hensley and Glenellen L. Brown. He was a longtime member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. He attended Meridian Grade School, Central Junior High, and graduated from Kokomo High School in 1956. One of his favorite high school memories was the senior trip to Washington, D.C., and New York City.
After high school, he worked for John Knipe Florist and Village Florist in Kokomo, as well as Adrienne’s in Noblesville, Indiana. While at Knipe’s, he was privileged to work on some of the most elegant and largest weddings Kokomo had ever seen.
Larry was drafted into the U.S. Army on September 13, 1961. He served his country as a military policeman with the 204th MP Company at Fort Sheridan, Illinois. His security clearance led him to travel across the United States and abroad in Italy. While in Pierre, South Dakota, he was part of President John F. Kennedy’s security detail at the dedication of the Oahe Dam.
Following his military service, Larry continued working in the floral industry in Kokomo and Tipton for many years, eventually owning his own shops. He also served as the club manager of the Tipton Elks Club and bar manager of the Kokomo Elks Club. He was a life member of Tipton Elks Lodge #1012.
Larry was an active member of the Kokomo Knights of Columbus Council #656, where he served as Grand Knight from 2013–2014. He also participated in the Fourth Degree Assembly #1568 and served in their Color Corps, where he was elected Faithful Navigator for seven years.
Larry married Henrietta “Hedy” Aerne in 1960 in Kokomo. He later married Joan Biros in Highwood, Illinois, in 1965. In 1984, he remarried Hedy, and together they enjoyed 30 wonderful years. Larry and Hedy loved visiting historic destinations like: Washington, D.C.; Mount Vernon; Charleston, South Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; Mount Rushmore; and made several trips to St. Louis, Missouri. They also visited many Frank Lloyd Wright homes, including Fallingwater.
Together they shared a passion for dancing, especially to early '50s rock and roll and big band music. They often would travel to cities like Indianapolis and Chicago just so he could dance with the “best dancer ever.”
He is survived by: three children Jon Newlin (Julie) of New London; Robert Hensley (Noreen) of Lebanon; and Anastasia Hensley Key (Barrett) of Alexandria; three stepsons Jeff Newlin (Christine) of Atlanta, Georgia; Mike Newlin of Birmingham, Alabama; and Chad Newlin of Buffalo, Indiana; 13 grandchildren Nicholas and Natalie Newlin (Jon and Julie); Alex Hensley and Megan Byrne (Robert and Noreen); Etta, Everly, and Emilyn Key (Anastasia and Barrett); Henry, Mary Beth, and William Newlin (Jeff and Christine); Ella Newlin (Mike); and Nathaniel and Hannah Newlin (Chad).
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Hedy, a stepson Tony Newlin, and a grandson Andy Hensley.
A funeral service celebrating Lawrence’s life will take place at 12 p.m. Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Stout & Son Funeral Home, 200 E Main St., Russiaville. Burial will follow in Crown Point Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit the family from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Gibault Children’s Services, gibault.org/donate/. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.