Frances Waneta Draper, John David Magers, Phillis Jean Rutherford, Mary E. Goldsberry, Merl Byron Blount, John Truman Ratcliff, Flodena Cooper, Rafaella Kay Ellis, Samson Mendenhall, Anna Amarilla Hunley
Frances Waneta Draper
Frances Waneta Draper, 84, of Burlington, passed away at 2:34 a.m. on August 15, 2025, at Community Howard Regional Hospital in Kokomo. She was born on February 3, 1941, in Marion County, IN, the daughter of Nelson I. and Waneta (Michael) Hobensack. In July of 1973, she married Charles E. Draper, who preceded her in death on August 31, 1990.
Frances was a member of Burlington Church of Christ and was an Indiana Volunteer of the Year Recipient.
She is survived by her sister Patricia Klemme; nieces and nephews Elaine Ellis, Paul (Brenda) Klemme, Mary (John) Indrutz, Lorrie (Larry) Martin, Pam Klemme, Jane (Jim) Wheeler, and Tammy (Andy) Kline; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
Along with her husband Charles Draper, Frances was preceded in death by her parents Nelson and Waneta Hobensack; brother Nelson (Gwen) Hobensack; and nephews-in-law Jerry Klemme, Sam Ellis, and Jeff Hobensack.
A funeral service celebrating Frances’ life will be held at 12 p.m. Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Stout & Son Funeral Home-Neptune Chapel, 44 Michigan Rd., Burlington, with Pastor Dave Osborn officiating. Burial will follow in Ball Hill Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 11 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Burlington Church of Christ. Stout & Son Funeral Home-Neptune Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left at www.stoutandson.com.
John David Magers
John David Magers, 61, Kokomo, passed away Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at his home. He was born June 30, 1964, in Kokomo. David was the son of Zola Ellen (Miller) Mills and John S. Magers.
David attended classes at Bona Vista and worked for Bona Vista Industries. He was a social person and loved the Indianapolis Colts and Country music.
He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law Brenda & John Trusty; nieces Laurie (Scott) Little, Amanda (Terry) Yazdani, and Sarah (Mike) Frye; great nieces and nephews Quinten Yazdani, Olivia Yazdani, Jonathon Frye, and Katelyn Frye; and his many friends in the Bona Vista family.
David was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather Zola & Delbert Mills and his sister and brother-in-law Peggy & Dean Long.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Kokomo Memorial Park Cemetery with Pastor Jeff Evans officiating. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Phillis Jean Rutherford
Phillis Jean Rutherford, age 89, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2025. Phillis was born on January 3, 1936, in Kokomo, Indiana, to Louis Wellinger and Elizabeth (Bentley) Millette. She graduated from Western High School in Russiaville and went on to marry Harold Rutherford on November 25, 1953. She was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother who devoted her life to her family. Her favorite activity was spending time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, who will miss her terribly.
Surviving are her children Cheryl (Mike) Pearce, Pamela Hobbs, Vicki Rutherford, and Kevin Rutherford; grandchildren Jeremy (Lacey) Mundy, Jenni (Toby) Ronk, Amanda Heath, April (Rob) Landes, Britney Lees, Ashley (Blain) Swing, and Levi Rutherford; great-grandchildren Tyra Gregory, Justis Mundy, Haliegh Smith, Fain Mundy, Grace Smith, Kolton Heath, Kami Heath, Ethan Morgan, Emma Morgan, Liara Swing, Ronan Lees, and Jameson Lees; great-great-grandchildren Jaylee Couch and Brinley Couch; siblings Walter Wellinger, Robert (Annette) Barnett, Larry (Evelyn) Barnett, Jim Barnett, Donald (Judy) Barnett, and Michael Barnett.
She was preceded in death by her parents Louis and Elizabeth; her husband Harold; and siblings Tom (Betty) Wellinger, Joseph Barnett, Elizabeth (Randall) Coffey, and Mary Henderson.
A funeral service for Phillis will be Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 4 p.m. at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 W. Alto Rd., Kokomo. Friends may visit with the family from 2 p.m. until the time of service. Phillis will be entombed Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 10 a.m. in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery.
Mary E. Goldsberry
Mary E. Goldsberry, 85, of Galveston, went home to be with the Lord early Saturday morning, August 16, 2025, at Bloom of Kokomo. She was born November 5, 1939, in Russiaville, Indiana, to Oliver J. and Phavilla D. (Elliott) Greer. She married Sam J. Goldsberry on October 24, 1958, in Russiaville, and he preceded her in death on May 2, 2016.
Mary worked for the Town of Galveston for several years. She later went to work for GM in Kokomo, retiring from Delphi. She belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star, Ladies of the Grotto, and Galveston First Baptist Church. Mary and Sam enjoyed wintering in Sebring, Florida, for many years. She loved to play Euchre, Bingo, and enjoyed visiting the casinos. She also enjoyed reading, going to car shows with Sam, and being a part of the Indiana Northeast GTO Club.
Surviving family include her daughter Kathy (Kevin) Fry of Linden; her son-in-law Mark D. (Darla) Guy of Galveston; her grandsons Jon (Leslie) Guy and Blake (Abby) Guy, both of Galveston; and six great grandchildren she adored — Ellie, Natalie, Jack, Nora, Claire, and Audrey. She is also survived by a sister-in-law Marsha Greer and several nieces and nephews. Mary is preceded in death by her parents; husband Sam; daughter Kimberly Ann Guy; sisters Martha Thompson and Patsy Walls; brothers Ralph and Joe Greer; and a special friend Larry Dudgeon. She is also preceded in death by one half-sister Bessie Aldridge.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Galveston First Baptist Church with Pastor Sean Cooper officiating. Burial will follow in the Galveston Cemetery. Visitation will take place prior to the funeral from 9:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Memorial contributions may be given to Galveston First Baptist Church in Mary’s honor. The family would like to extend a special “Thank You” to the staff of Bloom of Kokomo and Ascera Hospice for their excellent care of Mary. Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston has been entrusted with arrangements. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com.
Merl Byron Blount
Merl Byron Blount, 89, of Kokomo, passed away 1:10 p.m. Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Community Howard Regional Health. He was born in Blackford County, IN, on September 9, 1935, the son of the late Thomas and Velma (Confer) Blount. On June 26, 1954, he married Norma Louise (Golliher) Blount, and she preceded him in death on July 9, 2024.
Merl was a 1953 graduate of Union High School. He moved to Kokomo from Farmland, IN, in 1966. He was a sweet, gentle, and fun-loving man. He was known to do anything for anybody in need. He formerly was employed as a mechanic at a Ford dealer and as an insurance adjuster. Merl also owned and operated an automobile show car transportation business for 30 years until he retired in 2017. After retirement he stayed busy by tinkering in his shop at home. He helped others fix anything, like golf carts and lawn mowers. His favorite hobbies were golfing, boating, water skiing, and flying airplanes after achieving his pilot’s license. He enjoyed attending and watching any type of racing. It gave him great joy to watch some of his own family race.
He is survived by his children Jeff Blount, Lisa (Tony) Doukas, and Brad (Shonda) Blount; grandchildren Ryan Blount, Stephanie (Sean) Greer, Makayla Blount, and Kaden Blount; great-granddaughter Remington Greer; and sister Wanneta Cheesman.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; daughter-in-law Diana Blount; brothers Cody Blount, Lester Blount, Roy Blount; sister-in-law Janice Blount; and brother-in-law Cloy Cheesman.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd., Kokomo, IN 46902. A funeral service celebrating Merl’s life will begin noon on Thursday at the funeral home with Pastor Travis Greene officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Garden. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
John “Jack” Truman Ratcliff
John “Jack” Truman Ratcliff, 94, of Kokomo, passed away Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Waterford Place Health Campus in Kokomo. He was born September 10, 1930, in Russiaville, the son of the late Thomas Donald and Anna (Littler) Wadman. Upon the passing of his parents, he was adopted and raised by the late Owen L. and Grace E. (Morrison) Ratcliff. On August 30, 1982, he married Lois Martin in Lafayette, who preceded him in death on November 11, 2006.
Jack was a 1948 graduate of Russiaville High School. He graduated from Indiana University with a liberal arts degree. Jack served in the United States Army from September 1951 to June 1953, serving much of his time in Korea. He worked various jobs, such as working in the finance department at dealerships, and as a “repo-man” for some time. He later retired from Rea Magnet after 30 years of service in quality control. Jack was an avid reader and traveler. He was a history buff and well-versed with politics, as he was very verbal on his political views and his opinions. Jack loved attending the Indy 500 as he did for several years. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR and following his favorite driver, Tony Stewart.
Jack is survived by his friends that he considered family: Carmen Carter of Russiaville; Judy Evans of Russiaville; Linda Gilbert of Kokomo; Harold Nesbit of Missouri; and Mary Eads of Lafayette.
In addition to his wife Lois, he was preceded in death by his parents and adopted parents; brother Swain Wadman; and friends he considered family, Steve Carter, John Evans, and Jim Arbuckle.
A graveside service celebrating Jack’s life will take place at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 21, 2025, at New London Cemetery, 2104 S, County Road 766 W, Russiaville, with Chaplain Steven Claspell officiating.
Flodena Cooper
Flodena Cooper, 93, Kokomo, went to be with the Lord at midnight Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Waterford Place Health Campus. She was born October 25, 1931, in Sharps Chapel, TN, to Cornelius and Lassie (Owsley) Dossett. On February 5, 1949, she married William A. “Bill” Cooper, who preceded her in death on January 12, 2008.
Flodena worked for Delco Electronics, retiring after 30 years of service
She is survived by two sons, Mike Cooper and his wife Terry of Indianapolis, and Rick Cooper of Muncie; seven grandchildren, Chad Cooper and his wife Helena of Pasadena, CA, Cory Cooper and his wife Mary of Los Angeles, Lora Cooper of Indianapolis, Jeremiah Cooper and his wife Nichole of Indianapolis, Joshua Cooper and his wife Jill of Muncie, Caleb Cooper and his wife Megan of McCordsville, Jordan Rhodes and her husband Klif of Muncie; 15 great-grandchildren; sisters Gloria Murphy and Alice Enochs; great aunt Eva Dalton; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter-in-law Debbie Cooper; sisters Juanita Kessler and Coby Rivers; and a brother, Tony Dossett.
The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to all those who cared for and loved her at Waterford Place.
Funeral services will be at noon Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 West Lincoln Road, with Pastor Greg Reed officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday at the funeral home. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Rafaella Kay Ellis
Rafaella Kay Ellis, a beacon of laughter and love, completed her earthly journey on August 16, 2025, at the age of 62, in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was born on July 17, 1963, in the heart of Kansas.
Rafaella's life was a testament to the power of faith and the beauty of selfless service. She graduated from Eastern High School in 1982, carrying with her the seeds of compassion and creativity that would define her life's work. As a Home Health Care Aide for Comfort Keepers, Rafaella touched the lives of many with her gentle care and her innate ability to bring a smile to the faces of those she served. Her patients didn't just look forward to her visits; they felt the warmth of her presence long after she had gone.
Her spiritual nature was the compass by which she navigated life, guiding her through moments of joy and challenge with equal grace. Rafaella's sense of humor was as infectious as it was insightful, often leaving those around her both in stitches and in deep thought. She had a knack for finding the lightness in life, a trait that made her company a gift to all who knew her.
Family was the cornerstone of Rafaella's world. She was a cherished daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother. Her father Merrill Swisher (Linda), her sister Rochelle Swisher (Jimmy), her devoted daughter Tosha Seagraves, with her husband Christopher, and her loving son Jakub Ellis, survive her. Rafaella's legacy continues to bloom in the lives of her grandchildren, Serenity, Kitiyia, and Azora, and she will be fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews Maverick and Montana Swisher. Rafaella now joins her mother, Connie Burge, in the realm of eternal peace.
Rafaella's interests were as varied as her talents. She could often be found sketching whimsical drawings, a visual echo of her inner joy. Her laughter was a frequent guest in the living room as she and her daughter watched HGTV shows, critiquing and admiring the transformations on screen. The local parks were graced by her presence as she took leisurely walks with her grandkids, each step a testament to her love for them and for the simple pleasures of life.
To describe Rafaella as faith-filled, selfless, and creative only scratches the surface of the woman who lived life with an open heart and an unquenchable zest for connection. Her spiritual journey was one of constant exploration, finding the divine in the everyday and the humor in the sacred. She was a comedian in her own right, not because she told jokes, but because she lived joyfully, understanding that life itself is the greatest stage.
As we bid farewell to Rafaella Kay Ellis, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a soul that will continue to inspire laughter, love, and faith in the hearts of those she touched. Her story does not end here. It is carried forward in the memories we cherish and the lives she has shaped. May her journey onward be as joyous and as full of love as the one she shared with us.
The family is having a private memorial for the immediate family at the funeral home.
If you wish to help the family, please consider donating in lieu of flowers for her daughter and grandchildren's future expenses. City of Firsts Cremations and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Samson Mendenhall
Samson Mendenhall, age 8, crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on Saturday, August 16, 2025, with his loving family surrounding him with love and comfort. He was born on December 9, 2016.
Samson, often referred to as Sam or Bubba, was a lazy, loving boy. A true gentle giant, he liked to sit on the laps and lean up against those he loved the most.
Samson's favorite activities were golf cart rides, car rides, and chasing his tennis balls! He would never pass up his favorite treats, McDonald's fries, ice cream, and popsicles.
He was stubborn and also anxious, which is completely understandable considering he had a rough past before his family recused him. They rescued him from Indy Humane three and a half years ago. Samson's mom found him online and loved him as soon as she went to see him. He was their first baby, and he didn't love sharing his mommy with his human little sister Hattie at first. When she got old enough to share snacks, he came around and learned to love her!
Samson was so special to them, and they will miss him so much.
He is survived by his parents, Kellie & Seth Mendenhall and his sister, Hattie.
"Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever."
Anna Amarilla Hunley
Anna Amarilla Hunley, crossed the Rainbow Bridge on Saturday, August 16, 2025, with her family by her side.
Anna was amazing little gal that took her "brother" through his 4-H years. She was sweet and sassy, true to her breed! Anna was born into her family and was lucky enough to spend each day of her 16 years with them. She will be missed by her family.
"The bond with a dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be."