Obituaries, September 6, 2025

Written on 09/06/2025


Sandra Jo (Haalck) Howard, Sally L. Herniak, Edward “Ed” Leon Sommers, Kenny Bedwell

Sandra Jo (Haalck) Howard

Sandra Jo (Haalck) Howard, 79, Chili, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday evening, September 4, 2025, at her residence.

Born September 6, 1945, in Peru, Indiana, she was the daughter of J. Rex & Winifred M. (Marsh) Haalck. On April 2, 1966, in Peru, Indiana, she was married to W. Curtis Howard, and he survives.

Sandra graduated from North Miami High School in 1963 and retired in 2007 from GDX (General Tire) in Wabash, Indiana. She enjoyed reading a good book, sewing, quilting, baking, or just relaxing in her chair watching a random TV show that most people would never think she enjoyed. A lover of nature, Sandra could be found in her flower beds tending to her lavender, or just inside watching the many hummingbirds buzzing around their freshly filled feeders. Sometimes, when a hummingbird had an unfortunate encounter with a window, it would find itself in Sandra’s care inside. Her love for animals was evident with her pet racoons and the many strays she took in over the years, but almost no one was important to her as her beloved teacup Maltese (favorite child), Ophelia Grace.

Survivors include her husband Curt Howard, Chili; two daughters Angela Murphy, Mexico, and Shannon Cole, Kokomo; four grandchildren Devan (Andrea) Cole, Derek (Stephanie) Cole, Jacob Murphy, and Gracie Murphy; four great-grandchildren Jamison, Garrison, Grayson, and Walker; sister-in-law Joyce Haalck; brother-in-law Brian Eikenberry; and many relatives and friends that she held dear to her heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother Dan Haalck, sister Della Eikenberry, and a dog named Kevin.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at McClain Funeral Home, Denver, with her grandson Devan Cole officiating. Burial will follow in Chili Cemetery, Chili, Indiana.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday at the funeral home.

McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclainfh.com.



Sally L. Herniak

Sally L. Herniak, 78, of Kokomo, passed away Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at her home. She was born March 23, 1947, in Noblesville to Dale and Bernice Goss. She married Joseph A. Herniak on December 15, 1967, in Tipton. Joe preceded her in death on October 11, 1996.

Sally worked as an LPN for several years retiring in 1997. Her favorite pastime was playing Pogo.

Surviving family include her daughter and son-in-law Amanda and Steve Daugherty of Peru and her grandsons Tori Nicole (Zelena) Daugherty, Matthew (Dakota Linton) Copp, and Christopher (Maria Alejandra Lara Melendez) Copp. Great-grandchildren include Jeffery Copp and Cynthia Copp. Two brothers also survive: George and Randall Goss. Sally is preceded in death by her parents, husband Joe, and son Jeffry Allen Herniak.

In keeping with her wishes, no services are planned.



Edward “Ed” Leon Sommers

Edward “Ed” Leon Sommers, 70, of Kokomo, passed away 2:40 p.m. Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at his home. He was born in Kokomo, IN, on November 16, 1954, the son of Charles and Carolyn (Dearinger) Sommers.

Ed loved all things related to cars, and he was good at working with his hands. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being outdoors. One of his favorite hobbies was collecting coins. Ed was a life member of the North American Hunting Club and the Disabled American Veterans. He was known to be a stubborn man at times. Ed adored his dog and best buddy named Ollie.

Ed is survived by his mom Carolyn Sommers; daughter Amanda; siblings Penny (David) Bowers and Andy Sommers; nieces and nephews Jonathon Sommers and Amber Sommers.

He was preceded in death by his father Charles Sommers; aunt Paula Harshbarger; and uncle Ronald Dearinger.

Funeral services for Ed are pending. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made out to Stout & Son Funeral Home to assist with expenses. Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.



Kenny Bedwell

Kenny Bedwell went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at St. Vincent Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was born on September 8, 1941, in Bassfield, Mississippi, and moved with his family to Peru, Indiana, in 1953.

Kenny proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton, California, for four years. He later began a long and dedicated career with Norfolk Southern Railroad, where he worked for 38 years before retiring as an Engineer.

Kenny was a member of Temple Baptist Church in Kokomo since 1978.

He is survived by his wife Judith Bedwell, whom he met when they were teenagers. Kenny is also survived by his children: Roxanne (Willie) Bledsoe of Lafayette, Steve (Elva) Bedwell of Peru, Keenan Buchanan of Peru, Troy Buchanan of Peru, and Elizabeth Brooks of Florida; grandchildren Shelbee (Nick) Sheridan of Virginia, Skyla Buchanan of Marion, Cierra (Travis) Rushing of Anderson, Alyssa (Johnny) Bauer of Florida, Seth Brooks of Florida, Karina Lewis of Lafayette, Adam (Michelle) Bedwell of Arizona, and Andrew (Josie) Bedwell of Peru; and 12 great-grandchildren whom he adored.

Kenny is survived by his sisters Shirley Leggett of Texas, Alice Cox of Mississippi, Linda (Don) Baker of Texas, Barbara Didone of Louisiana, Glenda Williams of Texas, and his brother Michael Bedwell of Alabama. He was preceded in death by his sisters Marrie Coffin and Linda Queeney, and his brother Frank Bedwell.

A private family viewing was held at Riverview Funeral Home, with burial following at Ever Rest Memorial Park Cemetery.

Riverview Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolences may be made online at www.riverviewfhperu.com