Obituaries, September 17, 2025

Written on 09/17/2025


Virginia L. Smith, Joseph Wayne Pohlman, Troy Eugene Salsbery, Truman Joe Mongosa

Virginia L. Smith

Virginia L. Smith, 100, of Tipton, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family. Born on September 20, 1924, in Indianapolis, she was a cherished daughter of Carl B. and Thelma (Pearson) Longfellow. Virginia married Robert Noel Smith on November 24, 1946, and they shared 62 beautiful years together until his passing on December 28, 2008.

Virginia's educational journey began at Sugar Creek School in Clinton County, where she graduated in 1944. She furthered her education at Indiana Business College, leading to her first employment at Capital Indemnity Insurance in Indianapolis. Virginia later took great pride in her role as a homemaker, and as her children grew older, she returned to seasonal office work at Pioneer Hybrids in Tipton.

An active member of her community, Virginia was involved with East Union Christian Church, the Worth Whyle Home Economics Club in Tipton County, and the Tipton County Historical Society. She had a passion for sewing, often crafting new clothing and repairing beloved garments. Virginia also expressed her artistic talents through ceramic creations and tended to a vibrant garden each summer, which brought her immense joy. She very much enjoyed working on 4-H projects with her children.

Virginia is survived by her son Greg Smith and wife Sandie of Muncie; daughters Sarah Floyd and husband Steve of Yorktown, and Anita Gunning and husband Tom of Russiaville; along with four grandchildren Andrea Daniels, Jason Gunning, Jennifer McClure and husband Fred, and Ryan Smith and wife Jessica; as well as seven great-grandchildren Lilly Wilson, Ryan Smith, Kyrie Smith, Jaymus Driver, Jonathan Rowing, Jessica McClure, and Jackson McClure; and one sister Marjorie Reed. She was preceded in death by her siblings James Longfellow, Doris Crull, and Nancy Bailey.

Funeral services for Virginia will be held on Friday, September 19, at 1:00 p.m. at Young-Nichols Funeral Home, with Rev. Mark Knapp officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Tipton. Visitation will also take place on Friday from 12:00 noon until the time of the service. Online condolences may be left on her obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.

Virginia L. Smith leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and creativity. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Memorial donations may be made to the East Union Christian Church, 1711 E 296th Street, Atlanta, Indiana, 46031 or the Tipton County Public Library, 127 E. Madison Street, Tipton, Indiana, 46072.

Virginia’s family would like to thank the many wonderful caregivers who helped through her later years.



Joseph Wayne Pohlman

Joseph Wayne Pohlman, 80, of Kokomo, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Thursday, September 11, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. Joe was born May 31, 1945, in Kokomo to George “Buck” and Catherine (Phillabaum) Pohlman. He married Wenda M. Gross on October 2, 1966, and she survives.

Joe was a life-long Lutheran and farmer. He graduated from Northwestern High School in 1963, where he played basketball, ran track, and was a member of the choir. Joe graduated from Indiana Business College and served in the National Guard. Joe also served on the board of directors for the Howard County Farm Bureau Credit Union and the Indiana Heartland Federal Credit Union for many years. He also served on the Ervin Township Advisory Board. Joe loved sports and especially basketball. Larry Bird was his all-time favorite player. He served as a 4-H leader for more than 55 years and found joy in raising almost all of the livestock (cattle, sheep, and hogs) that his children, grandchildren, and now great-grandchild have shown. He raised many champions of all three species at the county and state levels. Joe loved the Lord and his family dearly. He was a member of The Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Kokomo.

Surviving family include his loving wife Wenda Pohlman of Kokomo; and his children Christina (Wayne) Miller, Laurie (Brad) Ingram, Joey (Kati) Pohlman, Angela (Zach) Foland, and Phillip Pohlman. Surviving grandchildren are Aaron (Katie) Miller, Ashley (Dean) Shepherd, Amber (Evan) Matlock, Austin Miller, Nick (Jaleigha) Ingram, Mason (Jakelyn) Ingram, Madison (Sam) Scott, Matthew (Isabel) Ingram, Seth Pohlman, Adele Pohlman, Olivia (Cody) Foland, Hunter Foland, Brooklyn Foland, Ethan Pohlman, and Holly Pohlman. Surviving great grandchildren include Meena, Eliana, Norah, Brexton, Cyrus, Myah, Avah, Micah, Jennicka, Jayce, Briar, Brantley, Oliver, Ryleigh, and Kaison. Joe is also survived by one sister Phyllis (Jerry) Calloway of Macy and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Buck and Catherine Pohlman and very special friends Stanley and Mary Mynarski.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 705 E. Southway Blvd., Kokomo, with Pastor John Dreyer officiating. Burial will follow at North Union Cemetery in Howard County. Visitation will be held Friday evening, September 19, from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the church.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Howard County 4H Exhibit Association (Swine Pens) and Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Joe’s memory. Murray Weaver Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements and is honored to serve the Pohlman family. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com

Troy Eugene Salsbery

Troy Eugene Salsbery, age 60, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025.

A graveside committal service for Troy will be held Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 11:20 AM at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, IN 46902.



Truman Joe Mongosa

Truman Joe Mongosa, 74, Macy, Indiana, passed away at 12:05 a.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at his residence.

Born October 25, 1950, in Peru, Indiana, he was the son of Lyman Vance and Eathel Fay (Walker) Mongosa. On April 6, 2013, at the Deedsville United Methodist Church, he was married to Debora Sue Guthrie, and she survives.

Joe was a truck driver and retired from Speedway Sand and Gravel in Disko. He loved riding horses, and barrel racing was his absolute favorite pastime. In addition, he enjoyed spending countless hours watching old western movies on TV.

Survivors include his wife Debora Sue Mongosa, Macy; one son Shane (Shelley) Mongosa, Macy; one granddaughter Megan (Damon) Gipson, Denver; one grandson Josh Mongosa, Macy; and one great-grandson Bennett Truman; two stepchildren, Tiffany Howard, Ft. Wayne, and Jacob Anglin, Kokomo; four step-grandchildren Richard Turner, Zachary Delger, and Nicholas and Allison Shirey; one brother Delmar Mongosa, Macy; and three sisters Eclista Birner, Peru, Doris Harshman, Peru, and Helen Alexander, Denver; his best friend Rocky and his sidekicks Slim, Scotty, and Doc.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Karen Sue (Pattison) Mongosa; his parents; sisters Henrietta Mongosa and Carolyn Knauff; and brothers Lyman Mongosa and Henry Mongosa.

In accordance with his wishes, a private graveside service is being planned at a later date, and the family will be hosting a celebration of life with plans being made in the near future.

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