Melba B. (Rathje) Bonner, Juliana M. Cage, Jake Allen Tygart

Melba B. (Rathje) Bonner

Melba B. (Rathje) Bonner, 92, passed away on Friday, August 29, 2025, in Kokomo, Indiana.

She was born on September 14, 1932, in Peru, Indiana, to Dallas R. and Susie E. (Setty) Rathje. Melba married William "Bill" Bonner on December 22, 1962. They shared 27 years of marriage before he passed away on August 27, 1990. Melba was retired from Delco Electronics where she worked as an assembly line float.

Melba is survived by her two sons Robert Bonner of Kokomo, Indiana, and Bryan (Debbie) Bonner of Kokomo, Indiana. Also surviving are four grandchildren Donald (Shelby) Bonner, Jim (Jen) Turpen, Cody Bonner, and Stephanie Bonner; four great-grandchildren Katelyn (Garrett) Green, Phillip T. Dunham, Brady "Bri" Dunham, and Brandon (Lillian) Dunham; and six great-great grandchildren Alexander Dunn, Lakelynn Smith, Ace Dunham, Lillith Dunham, Valerie Dunham, and Beta Dunham.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Robert Rathje, sister Mary Frances Ward, daughter-in-law Debra Bonner, and granddaughters Traci Lyn Graham and Christine Bonner.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street, Peru, Indiana. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor John Dreyer officiating. Burial will take place at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Peru, Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 705 East Southway Boulevard, Kokomo, Indiana 46902.

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

Juliana M. Cage

Juliana M. Cage, 61, Kokomo, passed away at 5:06 p.m. Saturday, August 23, 2025, at her home. She was born September 10, 1963, in Marion, Indiana, to Robert and Norma Jean (Sugar) Smith.

Juliana was a 1983 Haworth High School graduate. She worked in the kitchen at the Kokomo Casting Plant, as a beauty advisor and manager at Walgreens, and at Kroger in the bakery and deli. A few of her passions included cooking, jewelry, holidays with family (especially Christmas), and most of all, spending time with her family and cherishing her grandchildren. She was a faithful supporter of all her grandchildren's activities. She will also be remembered for her sense of humor and green thumb. Juliana loved caring for plants and gardening.

She is survived by her daughters Amber Randolph and Edana (Travis) Butler; grandchildren Jenna Jackson, Brenden Cage, Kayden Cook, Traiden Butler, Jayden Butler, Bentley Butler, Serenity Ozenbaugh, Ayiana Ozenbaugh, Jerrid Jackson, Jeremiah Ozenbaugh, Ava Grace Reynolds, Kenlee Randolph, Mia Weeks, and Hollianna Weeks; several adopted children and grandchildren; brother Curtis Smith; sister Sherry (Tommy) Hall; niece Amber Smith; nephew Devin Hall; as well as other nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son Chad; and a sister Justina Smith.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 West Lincoln Road, with Pastor Jeff Russell officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Jake Allen Tygart

Jake Allen Tygart, age 64, of Kokomo, passed away on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. He was born to the late Charles J. Tygart and Betty Caroline (Richardson) Tygart.

Jake was a skilled masonry worker and enjoyed making remote control airplanes, playing his guitar, fishing, and mushroom hunting. Most of all, he loved being with his family and friends and helping people in any way that he could.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters Heather Gordon and Kaytlyn Davis; and siblings Mike Tygart, Twana Tygart, and Jack Tygart.

He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Betty Tygart; and brothers Dusty Tygart, Butch Tygart, and Bodie Tygart.

There will be a Celebration of Life service at a later date.