Janette “Ruth” Leger, Merrilyn Annette McClure, Richard K. West, Joshua “Josh” Corey McBride, Donald Lee Rowden, Susan Cardwell, Ronda S. Bonds, Betty (Heard) Hopkins, Drew Michael Taylor
Janette “Ruth” Leger
Janette “Ruth” Leger was born on October 29, 1940, to Othnel and Juanita (Brewster) Bertram. On July 7, 1962, she married Bing Leger. Ruth was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She worked many years at the China Clipper restaurant in Kokomo and retired from Meijer. She loved the Lord Jesus, her family and friends, and found so much joy in her flower garden and listening to her windchimes.
She is survived by her husband Bing, her son Jeffrey (Mary Lee) Leger, three grandchildren Luke (Valerie) Leger, Angela (Michael) Anderson, and Stephen (Skyler) Tanselle, four great-grandchildren Ari, Piper, Emilie, and Thomas, sisters Charlotte Watterson and Joyce Bertram, and brothers Othnel Spencer Jr. and David Bertram.
Preceded in death are her parents and her sisters Mary Bertram and Betty Towe.
Visitation will be Wednesday, August 6, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Sunset Memory Garden, with a funeral service at 1 p.m. Ruth will be laid to rest at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, 2097 W. Alto Rd., Kokomo, following the funeral service.
Merrilyn Annette McClure
On Sunday, July 27, 2025, Merrilyn Annette McClure (Annette to her family and many friends) bravely left behind the shackles of Alzheimer's to be in peace after a brief hospital stay. She is survived by her husband Nate McClure, her sons Michael Reeser (Cathy) and Douglas Reeser (Sheila), and her sisters Marsha Shipman and Marty Whitaker. She also is survived by granddaughter Dawn Walsh (Grant) and their children Gavin, Scarlett, Jude, and Jeremiah; also, by her grandson Bradley Lear (Samantha), their daughter Alexis, and by Brad's mother Tammy Alfred (Mike). Also surviving are grandsons Kristopher Reeser (Alexandra) and Kyle Reeser. She was preceded in death by her parents Wayne and Leveda (Jackson) Shipman.
Annette was born in Anderson, Indiana, where she grew up with her sisters and parents. Born in 1940, she lived a very full life to the age of 85. She attended Anderson High School and one year at Ball State University.
Annette was a person whom everyone loved because she was so positive, loving, and kind to her many friends. She enjoyed a long successful professional career with Delco Electronics Division of General Motors, where she was a respected technician helping GM pioneer in the automotive electronics field in the development of integrated circuit technology. Her many interests included photography, which she picked up from her father. She shared her love of gardening with Nate, and they grew many varieties of flowers, especially succulents, year-round in their greenhouse. She was an avid quilter and had some good friends with whom she shared that pastime. She and Nate enjoyed traveling together and were able to enjoy seeing many states, including national parks, as well as make frequent trips to south Florida to be with family. She stayed very close to her sisters and frequently visited with them in Anderson.
Special thanks go to Annette's caregiver Amber McKay of Cornerstone Caregiving, who was her helper in many ways for the last year of her life.
In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to donate to the Alzheimer's Association.
A celebration of Annette's life will take place on Wednesday, August 6, at Ellers Mortuary's Webster Street location in Kokomo. Friends and family are encouraged to wear colorful, cheerful and celebratory clothing.
Richard K. West
Richard K. West, 84, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025. He was born on June 26, 1941, in Kokomo, to the late Alonzo “Lon” West and Adeline “Flo” West.
Richard was a 1960 graduate of Kokomo High School and went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Advertising Art from the John Herron Art Institute/Indiana University. He retired from Chrysler Corporation after 30 years of dedicated service.
On July 15, 1972, Richard married the love of his life Lou Ann West, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, family, and shared adventures. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Richard is survived by his wife of 53 years Lou Ann; his children Rick West (Robin), Beth Jones (Todd), and Jennifer Weideman; his grandchildren Jessica Farmer, Allyson Haus, Shelby Hamilton (Dalten), Wade Weideman, Nick Weideman, and Michael West (Desiree); and his great-grandchildren Angel West, Cheryl West, Alex West, Serenity West, Emersyn Hamilton, and Evalynn Hamilton. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Robert K. West, and other loved ones.
An accomplished wildlife artist, Richard’s work has been featured on the covers of American Bass Magazine, Bassmaster, Sports Liquidators, Hoosier Angler, and Field & Stream. He also contributed artwork to Bass and Objects by Bill Dance and generously donated paintings to Ducks Unlimited to support their conservation efforts.
Richard had a deep love for the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He was passionate about sharing his knowledge with others, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration, skill, and appreciation for nature that will live on in the many people he taught and influenced. He treasured the time spent with close family friends and brothers Joe and Tim Hirsch, sharing countless hunting trips, laughter, and lifelong memories.
Richard’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM, the time of his funeral service, at Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster St., Kokomo. Richard will be laid to rest immediately after his service at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, 2097 W. Alto Rd., Kokomo.
Joshua “Josh” Corey McBride
Joshua “Josh” Corey McBride, 35 years old, of Spring Green, Wisconsin, passed away Sunday, July 27, 2025. He was born in Beaufort, South Carolina, on October 1, 1989, the son of James “Keith” McBride, Suzanne Freitas, and his stepmom who loved and raised him named Teresa (Medlen) Wertz. Josh was married to Angelica Godinez, and she survives.
Josh was a 2008 graduate of Western High School. He served our country in the United States Marine Corps as a Sergeant and served one tour in Afghanistan. He was inspired to enlist after the attacks of September 11. Josh was so proud of his military service. He was awarded medals for his Good Conduct, Humanitarian Service, National Defense Service, and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. Josh later received his certification as a substance abuse counselor in training. He was currently employed at Wood Violet Recovery Center in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, as a group facilitator. One of his greatest joys was supporting homeless veterans in their recovery.
Josh was a devoted husband to his wife Angie and a loving father to his boys. He had the best sense of humor and loved joking with his siblings. Josh lived a life committed to helping others, especially with their mental health. Josh was a God-fearing man who read his Bible daily. He attended St. John Catholic Church and received his sacrament from Our Lady of the Desert in Apple Valley, California. His favorite hobbies were playing video games, kayaking, enjoying nature, and working out. He was complimented for his great barbecue and cooking skills.
In addition to his wife Angie, Josh is survived by his father James Keith (Tammy) McBride and his stepmom who raised him Teresa (Brad) Wertz; biological mom Suzanne Freitas; children Beau Beauver (Giovinazzo) and Matthew McBride; grandparents Norma Richard and Jim Surface; siblings Kesha (Greg) Minns, Brant (Hailey) Reef, and Colin (Hailey Chamberlin) McBride; half-sisters Elizabeth (Jobe) Doucet and Amber (Travis) Vidrine; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents Helen and Anthony McBride, Arthur Richard, Ray Medlen, and Sandy Surface.
Friends are invited to visit with family from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 3155 S. 200 W., Kokomo, IN 46902, with Fr. Peter Vanderkolk as celebrant. A link will be available at the bottom of Josh’s obituary page to view the mass live at 11 a.m. on Friday. Burial will follow in Marion National Cemetery in Marion. Military honors will be provided by the United States Marines and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Contributions may be made in Josh’s memory to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.
Donald Lee Rowden
Donald Lee Rowden, 79, Galveston, passed away at 1:45 a.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025, at his home. He was born on June 3, 1946, in East Chicago, IN, to the late James Edward Rowden and Marjorie J. (Martz) Johnson. He married Deborah K. Rowden on May 19, 1968, and she preceded him in death on August 2, 2023.
“Honda Don,” as he was known to his friends and family, graduated from Kokomo High School in 1964. He enlisted with the United States Army. He was stationed in Cam Ranh Bay from 1965-1966, during the Vietnam War. He worked for PPG Industries for 27 years, Milbank for two years, and was a semi-truck driver for 20 plus years retiring in 2014. After his retirement he worked as a Galveston school crossing guard for two years.
Donald was a member of the Road Kings Car Club in Greentown and a former VP for the Shifters Car Club in Kokomo. He enjoyed Street Rods, car shows, camping, and 60 years of riding motorcycles. Donald took pride in his “toys,” 14 motorcycles, seven boats, 21 trucks, 30 cars, 11 street rods, one semi, four motorhomes, seven campers, and several car trailers. He always had to have a faster engine to fulfill his “need for speed.”
He became an ordained minister for the Universal Life Church. Donald worked tirelessly for his kids. He was funny, ornery, caring, giving, and was always helping others. He was the best father, grandfather, and friend. He loved his family deeply and remained good friends with his ex-sons-in-law.
The family wants to send a special thank you to his daughter Christina, granddaughter Ashleigh, Comfort Keepers, and Southern Care Hospice for their compassionate care.
Donald is survived by his children Christina Smith, Brenda (Rodney) Grubb, and Regina Rowden; bonus daughter Madeline Ruth Stevens; grandchildren Ashleigh (Gary) Scott, Cassie (Sam) Kirby, Bryce (Gabbi) Smith, Abbey (Jamey) Reese, Nolan (Brittney) Grubb, Krista (Lucas) Rowden, Kohl Dillman, and Cory Dillman; great-grandchildren, Sydney Scott, Chloe Scott, Elijah Scott, Chandler Scott, Gavin Kirby, Journey Brackett, Gracie Kirby, Wrigley Kirby, Logan Reese, Marley Reese, Raelynn Grubb, Wryder Rowden, Macey Dillman, Coan Dillman, and two more on the way; two great-great-grandchildren and one on the way; sister Debbie (Dan) Taylor; ex-sons-in-law Tony Smith, George Dillman, and Brian Reese; lifelong friend Robert “Bob” Hammer; and friends Jeff Lamberson and Joe Earnheart.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Deborah, stepparents Forest Johnson and Thelma Rowden; adopted brother Jeff Karnes; and bonus daughter Charlotte Gaither.
A funeral service celebrating Donald’s life will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. Burial will follow in Kokomo Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit the family from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, https://give.kidneyfund.org. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Susan Cardwell
Susan Cardwell, 62, of Kokomo, Indiana, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on August 1, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born in Kokomo, Indiana, on September 10, 1962, Susan was a 1981 graduate of Haworth High School. She lived a life rooted in kindness, service, and unwavering faith. She met the love of her life Donald Cardwell Jr. at Pipe Dream, a local pizza parlor where their story began. They were married on July 5, 1985, and together built a beautiful life centered around faith and family.
A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Susan was a full-time homemaker who poured her heart into raising her four sons. Her greatest joy came from caring for others, whether it was her children, grandchildren, or the many little ones she ministered to through children’s church. She was a faithful servant, always volunteering in children’s ministries and reminding everyone that she “loves her Jesus.”
Susan’s kindness was felt by all who knew her. She carried herself with warmth, patience, and grace, always putting others before herself. Her family was her pride and joy, and she treasured every moment spent with them.
She is survived by her loving husband of 40 years Donald Cardwell Jr.; her four sons and their wives Samuel (Stacy), Andrew (Jessica), Nicholas (Samantha), and Isaiah (Kenzie); and her 10 beloved grandchildren Samuel Jr., Riley, Hannah, Leland, Evelyn, Tinleigh, Henry, Eva, Olivia, and Sadie, as well as her mother Faye, sisters Tricia and Pam (Tim), and brother Darrell (Wendi).
She was preceded in death by her father Darrell Campbell Sr.
A funeral service to celebrate Susan’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Chapel Hill Christian Church, 2600 W. Alto Rd., Kokomo. Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the church. All who were touched by her life are welcome to attend and share in honoring her memory.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to assist the family with her final expenses. Contributions and messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Though her earthly journey has ended, Susan’s legacy of faith, compassion, and love lives on in every life she touched.
Ronda S. Bonds
Ronda S. Bonds, 64, Kokomo, passed away Sunday, August 3, 2025. She was born May 25, 1961, to Ronnie R. DeWitt and Janice S. (Irwin) Sprong in Kokomo. She married Gregory “Scott” Bonds in 1983, who survives.
Ronda was a member of the cheer club and flag corps in the marching band for the Haworth Huskies. She was a 1979 graduate of Haworth High School and then went on to pursue an electrical engineering career at IUK. She enjoyed spending time with friends and family, especially 4th of July on Fox Lake with her best friend Sue (Shearer) Gerhardt. She spent countless hours researching, traveling, and doing family genealogy. She also enjoyed diamond painting and listening to Dave Matthews Band.
Along with her husband Gregory “Scott” Bonds, Ronda is survived by her daughter Anastasia Bonds (Bill Trine); brothers-in-law Roger (Shelley) Bonds, Jaime (Heather) Bonds, and Rob Bonds; nieces Georgia Bonds Abele, Hannah Bonds, and Kaitie Bonds; nephews Matt (Dottie) Bonds and Daniel Bonds; and mother-in-law Pat Bonds.
Private funeral services will be held, with Pastor Dianne Wagner officiating. Private burial will take place in Albright Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Ronda’s memory to a charity of your choice. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.
Betty (Heard) Hopkins
October 29, 1940 ~ August 3, 2025 (age 84)
Though born in 1940 in Tennessee, Betty Hopkins loved Tipton. She graduated from Tipton High School in 1959 and soon after married Paul Hopkins. Many will remember her selling tickets at the Diana; others will know her as the playground teacher at Lincoln School.
Betty’s three children and two grandchildren will remember her as the woman who spent her life guiding us, quietly making sure we always had what we needed and showing by example how to care for others. We are happy to say that she mowed the lawn on Wednesday and left us shortly afterward.
She loved reading, background noise, crunchy Cheetos, and especially watching the birds and wildlife around her home. To honor her memory, the best thing you can do is plant some milkweed for the monarch butterflies she loved so much.
Betty would want everyone to know that the last time she left her house, the dishes were washed, the bed was made, and her basement smelled fresh and clean.
To say that we love and miss her is an understatement.
Drew Michael Taylor
Drew Michael Taylor, 68, formerly of Columbia, Maryland, passed away 1:20 a.m. Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Century Villa Health Campus in Greentown, IN. He was born in Chicago, IL, on April 28, 1957, the son of the late Harold Lloyd and A. Ottie (Demetrius) Taylor. Drew had a lifelong friend and soulmate Julia Jazwiec, and she survives.
Drew was a 1975 graduate of Glenbard North High School. He had a degree in Theatre from Stanislaus College, University of California, where he was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity. He was proficient in many accents, allowing him to project many different characters, whether he was performing on stage or simply telling a joke or story. He was skilled in acting and dancing. Drew’s favorite hobbies included singing Karaoke, painting, making stained glass, building kaleidoscopes, and attending Shakespeare festivals.
He also earned a degree from DeVry Institute of Technology. He was the owner and operator of his company, Scintech, which did medical equipment repair.
Drew had an outgoing and jovial demeanor and was loved by all who knew him. He was a kind man who built strong relationships with his friends.
Drew was a faithful member of the Masonic Lodge (Howard Lodge #101) in Maryland where he served as a Past Master. Howard Lodge #101 wrote this of him: “Drew was a major part of Howard Lodge #101 in Maryland ever since he joined the fraternity in 2004. His generosity, kind heart and keen wit were staples of his unique personality that endeared him to all. His friendship, kindness and dedication to Howard Lodge will be sorely missed.”
He is survived by his brother Thomas (Linda) Taylor; close friend Julia Jazwiec; sister-in-law Pamela Taylor; nieces and nephews Courtney (David) Jorgensen, Thomas Luke (Jami) Taylor, and Sean Taylor; a few great-nieces and great-nephews, and numerous cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Ottie Taylor, and his brothers William Taylor and Steven Taylor.
A celebration of Drew’s life will take place in Chicago, IL, at a later date. Hasler – Stout Funeral Home in Greentown, IN, has been entrusted with arrangements.
(Obituary photo courtesy Howard Lodge #101 in Maryland)