Jeanette Nadene (Betz) Ryan, Kenneth O. Steele, Herman Ralph “Sharp” Ingram, Walter L. Wallace Jr., Krystal Ann Daugherty

Jeanette Nadene (Betz) Ryan

Jeanette Nadene (Betz) Ryan, 73, formerly of Russiaville, passed away at 2:51 a.m. on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at her home in Flora, IN. She was born in Livermore, California, on July 27, 1952, the daughter of the late Chester and Doris (Gann) Betz. On September 23, 1977, she married Roger Ryan in Kokomo, IN, and he survives.

Jeanette was a 1970 graduate of Taylor High School. Following high school, she worked as a group leader at Delco Electronics for 10 years and later operated an in-home daycare for 17 years. Her top priority in life was her relationship with Jesus Christ. She lived to help and love others, never hesitating to pray with someone or share her testimony. A talented singer, Jeanette participated in numerous concerts at various churches, and most recently attended First Assembly of God in Delphi.

Her second greatest joy was her family. She treasured the time spent with her husband, children, and grandchildren, and was known as a devoted caretaker. Jeanette especially loved traveling with Roger, with her favorite trips spent on the beaches of Michigan and in the mountains of Tennessee.

In addition to her husband Roger, Jeanette is survived by her children Nick (Jamie) Ryan, Jenny (Tim) Zirkle, Stacey (Tim) Schwiebert, Greg (Alexa) Vauters, and Wanda Conley; grandchildren Cora Ryan, Shaylee Ryan, Owen Ryan, Hadlee Ryan, Dailynn Zirkle, Palmer Zirkle, Ella Vauters, Grace Vauters, Matthew Schwiebert, Aaron Schwiebert, Andrew Schwiebert, Benjamin Schwiebert, Caedmon Conley, and Mckenna Conley; siblings Charles (Sherry) Betz and Lynette Betz; sisters-in-law Paula (Chris) Jones and Annette; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Chester and Doris Betz; her sister Penny Betz; and her brother-in-law Dale Ryan.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday September 28, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Jeff Stout Community Center, 650 N. West St., Russiaville. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Stout & Son Funeral Home to assist with final expenses. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

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 survived by his wife of almost 46 years, Karen Steele.

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 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.

Kenneth loved 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 preceded him in death, and enjoyed vacationing with her and his granddaughter.

Along with Karen and his granddaughters, he is survived by his sister Donna L. Steele (Tom), their children, and many cousins, great nieces, and great nephews.

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.

Herman Ralph “Sharp” Ingram

Herman Ralph “Sharp” Ingram, 89, of Kokomo, went home to be with the Lord at 9:48 a.m. Monday, August 25, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his family. Ralph was born October 14, 1935, in Nauvoo, Alabama, to William Frank and Mary Minerva (Concord) Ingram. He married Julliah “Irene” Kessler on June 14, 1958, and she survives. He was a lifelong farmer and retired from Chrysler with 30 years’ service.

Ralph began his farming career working for Eldon Miller in Galveston. He loved attending auctions and collecting tractors and antiques. Ralph was a longtime member of Mt. Zion Free Methodist Church near Galveston, and he served as Deacon at the Meek Baptist Church in Alabama and also helped build the church. He was a member of Men for Missions, a lay movement born of God to mobilize ordinary men from all walks of life to do extraordinary things by being willing to Do, Go, and Give whatever God asks. Ralph also enjoyed the Fa So La or Sacred Harp type of singing, a shape-note or character-note singing developed in the 18th century. He was also a member of U.A.W. Local #685 in Kokomo. After retiring, he enjoyed trips back to Alabama and started a small business building floating boat docks on Smith Lake during his time there.

Surviving family include his wife Julliah “Irene” Ingram; his children Rhonda (Mickey) Benton of Alabama, Brad (Laurie) Ingram of Peru, and Stacy (Mark) Hall of Peru. He is survived by 12 grandchildren Brittany (Michael) McCants, Austin (Cara) Benton, Cole (Kelsey) Benton, Dawson (Chelsie) Benton, Eli (Taylor) Benton, Nick (Jaleigha) Ingram, Mason (Jakelyn) Ingram, Maddison (Sam Scott) Ingram, Matthew (Isabelle) Ingram, Alexis Hall (Kristopher Marburger), Sabra (Aaron) Hall, and Jade Danyel Hall. Great-grandchildren include Layton McCants, Loftyn McCants, Raelyn Benton, Presley Grace Benton, Bentley Benton, Kinsley Benton, Dawson Wilkins “Wilks” Benton, Jennicka Ingram, Jaise Ingram, Oliver Ingram, Ryleigh Grace Ingram, and Kaison Ingram. Ralph is survived by one brother Lonnie and wife Kay Ingram of Nauvoo, AL, special nephews Leciel Lawson and Jeff Tew, and several other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Horace (Judy) Ingram, Ava Lee (Guy) Lawson, Elmer (Lucy) Ingram, Ruby (Pete) Keaton, Opal (Alton) Farley, and Kenneth Ingram.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Friday, August 29, 2025, at Bennetts Switch Community Church, 2261 IN 18, Kokomo, IN with funeral services to follow on Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. with pastors Jackson Moore and Norm Snyder officiating. Ralph will be laid to rest in the Clymer Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorial contributions made to the Ronald McDonald House at Riley Hospital in Indianapolis. Murray Weaver Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com​

Walter L. Wallace Jr.

Walter L. Wallace Jr., aged 68, a cherished brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2025, in Kokomo, Indiana. Born on August 1, 1957, in Youngstown, Ohio, Walter was a man whose life was as rich and deep as the oceans he once sailed as a young man on a fishing crew in Alaska.

Walter was the beloved son of the late Walter L. Wallace Sr. and Betty, and Lola and Donald Ward. He was the caring brother to Theresa Forte, Barbara Nix (Karl), and Nichelle Wright. Though he is now reunited with his late siblings Sammy, Jerry, Ricky, and Ronnie Summers, and sisters Jackie and Donna Summers, his presence will be deeply missed by all those he left behind.

His nieces and nephews, including Tony Summers (Alicia), Tashawnna Summers, Sharday Brown (Daniel), Antwan Summers, Nikkia Cunningham, Nickell Summers, Sasha Wright, Tyrone Wright, Lakisha Nix, and Karl Nix Jr., will remember their Uncle Walter as a pillar of strength and love. The younger generation of great-nieces and great-nephews, such as Deonna Summers, Zephaniah Randolph, A'Shybrianne Summers, AvaMarie Brown, and Daniel A. Brown, will carry forward the countless stories and lessons he imparted. Walter now joins his beloved niece Sabriana Harbert and great-nephews Anthony Summers Jr. and Ezekiel Summers in eternal rest.

Walter's hands were skilled and strong, having spent many years as a brick and stone layer in the construction industry. His work stands as a testament to his craftsmanship and dedication to his trade. Yet, it was his personal interests that truly painted the picture of who Walter was. A man of adventure, he loved traveling, exploring the world's vast landscapes and cultures. At home, he was the life of family gatherings, sharing laughter and creating memories that his family will treasure forever.

A devout man, Walter found solace and strength in reading the Word of God. His faith in Jesus Christ was unshakeable, and he often said Jesus Christ, Lord O mighty, God is establishing some things in my life. His spiritual journey was an inspiration to many, and his legacy of faith will continue to influence his loved ones.

Those who knew Walter would describe him as thoughtful, always considering the needs and feelings of others before his own. He was selfless, giving of himself without expecting anything in return. His adventurous spirit was contagious, inspiring others to seek out the beauty and excitement in the world around them.

Walter L. Wallace Jr.'s life was a testament to the power of kindness, faith, and adventure. As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate the indelible mark he left on our hearts and the world. His memory will be cherished and kept alive through the stories we share and the lives he touched. May he rest in peace, knowing he was loved beyond measure and that his spirit will continue to guide us in the days to come.

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

Krystal Ann Daugherty

Krystal Ann Daugherty, a beacon of love and laughter, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Born on February 12, 1984, in Kokomo, Indiana, to Angela Ousley and the late Bill Daugherty, Krystal's vibrant spirit and infectious humor brought joy to all who knew her.

Krystal's early years in Kokomo were filled with the warmth of a close-knit family. She was the cherished granddaughter of Shirley Beaver and the late Jim Beaver, and she grew up surrounded by the love and guidance of her Aunt Tanya Beaver, Uncle Zach Beaver, and her cousins Tracy Beaver and Andrew Roberts. Her formative years were marked by the nurturing presence of her mother Angela and her devoted stepfather John Ousley, who together created a home filled with laughter and care.

A proud graduate of Penn Foster High School's class of 2003, Krystal carried the lessons of her education throughout her life, approaching each day with curiosity and a readiness to learn. Her love for the simple pleasures in life, such as walking outside to enjoy nature, working on search word puzzles, and watching her favorite TV shows, reflected her appreciation for the world around her.

Those who knew Krystal will fondly remember her as a loving, friendly, and funny individual. Her ability to light up a room with her smile and quick wit was unmatched. Krystal's sense of humor and her easygoing nature made her a beloved figure in her community and a cherished friend to many.

Krystal's legacy is carried on by her loving mother Angela, her stepfather John Ousley, and son Kasey Caudill. She is also survived by her grandmother Shirley Beaver, who will miss her dearly, as well as her Aunt Tanya, Uncle Zach, and cousins Tracy and Andrew, who will forever hold her memory in their hearts.

Preceded in death by her father Bill Daugherty, her stepsister Jennifer Ousley, and her grandfather Jim Beaver, Krystal's spirit will be reunited with those she has missed. Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of her family and friends, but they take comfort in knowing that her laughter and love will continue to echo in the stories they share and the memories they cherish.

Krystal Ann Daugherty's life was a testament to the power of joy and the strength of familial bonds. As we bid her farewell, we celebrate the time we were privileged to share with her and the countless ways she enriched our lives. Her legacy of love and laughter will endure, a gentle reminder to embrace each day with the same kindness and humor that she so effortlessly displayed.

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