Connie Eloise Helms, Kenneth O. Steele, Janet E. McFadden, Todd Allen Huffer, Heather Marie Sturgeon (Crutchfield)

Connie Eloise Helms

Connie Eloise Helms, 81, of Kokomo, passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2025. She was born on August 26, 1943, in Charleston, South Carolina, the daughter of Thomas Austin & Mary R. (Rozel) Fowler. On August 26, 1958, in Charleston, South Carolina, Connie married William J. Helms, and he preceded her in death on December 31, 2018.

Connie was a dedicated wife, mother, and home maker. She owned and operated The Needle Works in Kokomo. She was a member of the Howard County Rose Society, Howard County Extension Home Makers, St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, and in recent years, St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Connie is survived by her children Teresa Helms, Donna (Dan) Crafton, Robert Helms, and Tamara Helms; grandchildren Jennifer Pickett (Tom Harold), Amy Pickett, Jon Meier, Mollie Meier, Francis Joseph Helms, and Bradley Helms; two great grandchildren Kalee Helms and Xavier Picket; sisters-in-law Reve (Gene) LeJeune and Judy Helms; brother-in-law Herbert (Rosella) Helms; along with several nieces and nephews.

Along with her husband of 60 years William Helms, Connie was preceded in death by their son Joseph Helms; her parents Thomas & Mary Fowler; and her brother-in-law Thomas Helms.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 29, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1229 N. Washington Street, Kokomo, with Rev. Fr. David Huemmer the celebrant. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. A rosary will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Connie’s memory to the Kokomo Humane Society. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Kenneth O. Steele

Kenneth O. Steele, age 79, of Kokomo, Indiana, formerly from St. Louis County, MO, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at approximately 5:30 p.m. He is preceded in death by his wife of almost 46 years, Karen Steele.

Kenneth was retired from Chrysler Corp., where he worked for 30 years. Kenneth also worked part-time at Ivy Tech Community College for several years, where he taught business classes. He graduated from Valley Park High School in 1965 and was drafted into the Army, serving two years. After serving his country honorably, he attended the Fontbonne College in St. Louis and graduated in May of 1991 with a Master’s degree in Business.

Kenneth loved sports and enjoyed sports, including basketball, football, hockey, and baseball. His favorite teams were the Cardinals, and recently, the St. Louis Blues in particular. He enjoyed the outdoors and loved to fish and hunt. He also enjoyed discussing politics very much, often talking about it. He loved his family, especially his granddaughters KyLynn King and Kinley King. He also loved his daughter Amanda M. Steele King, who also preceded him in death, and enjoyed vacationing with her and his granddaughter.

He is survived by his sister Donna L. Steele Rauls, his brother-in-law, their children, and many aunts and uncles.

Visitation will be Friday, August 29, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., the time of the funeral, at Abundant Life Church, in the Life Center, at 865 E. 400 S., Kokomo, 46902. Entombment will occur immediately following the service at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, 2097 W. Alto Rd., Kokomo.

Janet E. McFadden

Janet E. McFadden, a beacon of love and laughter, was called home on August 22, 2025, at the age of 80. Born on December 23, 1944, in Inkster, Michigan, to the late Clarence Condit and Theresa M. Deppong Condit, Jan's life was a testament to the joy and kindness she spread to all who knew her. She departed this world in Kokomo, Indiana, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. She married H. Robert "Bob" McFadden July 4, 1970, in Kokomo. He preceded her in death in February 2020.

Jan was a proud graduate of Kokomo High School, class of 1962, and furthered her education at Holy Cross Nursing School in South Bend, where she honed her nurturing spirit. Her career began in 1965 at Delco, where she quickly became a beloved group leader on the assembly line. For 15 years, Jan's fairness and warmth made her more than just a boss; she was a friend and mentor to many. She retired in 2002, leaving behind a trail of respect and admiration from her colleagues.

Her work ethic was matched only by her passion for life and the Lord. Jan was a devout Christian and a member of Chapel Hill for 40 years, where her voice once graced the choir and she comforted the babies in the nursery. Her faith was her compass, guiding her through life's challenges with grace and humor.

Jan's interests were as vibrant and diverse as her personality. She has been called a fierce Euchre player from her club members that she was a part of for nearly 10 years. Jan's competitive spirit was always delivered with her beautiful smile. Her love for the outdoors was evident in her enthusiasm for fishing, camping, and bird watching. She was also a member of the Delco women's volleyball team "Net Profits" and dabbled in softball.

She loved to dance, play pool, and gather her loved ones close. Jan loved her daughter Dawn Norris with all her heart, and her granddaughters Ashley Norris, Amber Frazier (Kourvoisier), and Alisha Cummings were the apples of her eye. Janet's love extended to her great-grandchildren Davontez, Mykell, Kamarie, and Milani Brooke who were the jewels in her crown. Survived by half-sisters Caroline Condit, Pricilla (Dean) Johnson, half-brother Clarence “Butch” (Arlene) Condit, Jan was also preceded in death by her sister Diane Minisci, half-brother Tom (Karen) Moran, stepsister Shirley (Dusty) Miler, and stepbrother Elbert “Sonny” (Barbara) Moran.

Described by those who knew her as loving, kind, friendly, and inclusive. Janet's presence was a gift to the world. Her laughter was infectious, and her heart generous. She welcomed everyone. She lived her life as a testament to the joy of Christ, and even in passing, her light continues to shine.

As we bid farewell to Janet E. McFadden, we do so with the knowledge that heaven has gained a remarkable soul. Her laughter echoes in our memories, her kindness lives on in our actions, and her love remains forever in our hearts. Janet's life was a beautiful melody of faith, family, and fun—a symphony that will resonate for eternity.

City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com

Todd Allen Huffer

Todd Allen Huffer, 54, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on August 17, 2025. He was born on January 11, 1971, in Kokomo, Indiana, the son of Allen and Alberta (Tucker) Huffer. On June 28, 2025, he married Anna (Baker) Huffer after 10 years of dating. Todd worked as a delivery driver for UPS for 17 years.

He loved to play music and sing. He was always on the move. He loved gardening, fishing, and spending time at his cabin. He was able to fix anything and everything. Most of all he loved spending time with his grandkids.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Anna; children Markus (Kristi Everman) Sneed and Jennifer (Tyler) Wren; 10 grandchildren; mother Alberta; and many relatives and friends.

Todd was preceded in death by his father Allen Huffer; brother Bradley Guy; in-laws Seth and Linda Baker Sr.; sister-in-law Belinda Arredondo; and many aunts and uncles from all sides of the family.

Services will be announced at a later date.

Heather Marie Sturgeon (Crutchfield)

Heather Marie Sturgeon (Crutchfield), age 42, of Kokomo, IN, was called home by our Lord and Savior on August 21, 2025.

Heather was born on July 3, 1983, in Peru, IN, to Bill Crutchfield and Kimberly (Ray) Cook. She was a 2003 graduate of Peru High School. Throughout her life, Heather held several jobs, including at Dukes Memorial Hospital, Indiana Mentor, and Federal Mogul, but her greatest calling and joy was being a stay-at-home mom and homeschooling her children.

On March 15, 2008, Heather married the love of her life Joshua Sturgeon.

Heather was known for her bubbly personality, spunky and feisty spirit, and a beautiful smile that could brighten any room. She was funny, loyal, and loving; always ready to lift others up or protect those she cherished. She was constantly tidying, organizing, and caring for her home, finding joy in the little details. She loved gardening, baking, painting, and crafting, and she shared her creativity and warmth generously with those around her. Fiercely protective of her family, Heather was a caretaker by nature. From an early age she was a "little mama" and a helper, always giving endlessly of herself. Her greatest pride was raising her children, who were the center of her world.

She is survived by her husband Joshua Sturgeon; her parents Bill Crutchfield, Kimberly Cook, and Randy Cook; her children Korbin, Kyle, Kaylene, Kagan, and Kenndrew Sturgeon; her sisters Jennifer (Daylan) Guffey and Melissa (Daniel) Ingram; her step-siblings Joshua Cook and Andrea Cook; her grandchildren Renesmay and Raquel Sturgeon; many nieces and nephews; her mother-in-law Kim Sturgeon; and many other extended family members and friends who loved her dearly.

Heather was preceded in death by her grandparents Joyce and J.T. Ray, Norma and William Bentley, and Charles Crutchfield, her great-grandparents, several aunts and uncles, and her dear friend Ashley Black.

A graveside service was held at Green Lawn Cemetery in Mexico, IN, on Monday, August 25, 2025. Following the service, family and friends gathered for lunch at Heather's favorite restaurant, Hacienda, in Kokomo, IN, to celebrate her life and memory.

Heather's spunky, loving, and feisty spirit will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her. Though our hearts ache, we find peace knowing Heather's bright smile and loving spirit now shine eternally in the presence of our Lord.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Community Heart and Vascular Hospital for their kindness, compassion, and care that they provided for our dear Heather.

Arrangements were entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.