Lora Leticia Melton, Dr. Alva Larry Jackson Jr., Betty R. (Mumaw) Whitacre
Lora Leticia Melton
Lora Leticia Melton, 81, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on September 14, 2025. She was born on August 22, 1944, in Kokomo, Indiana, the daughter of William Edward and Neva Gladys (James) Myers. She was a 1962 graduate of Kokomo High School. On January 4, 1964, she married the late Everett Melton.
She volunteered for Meals on Wheels and at St. Vincent Hospital. Lora enjoyed doing crafts of all varieties.
Left to cherish her memory is her sister Marie Glunt; brothers Jerry (Vicky) Myers and Joe (Drenda) Myers; son Donald (Lori) Melton of Kokomo; daughter Saundra (Andy) Reiser of Texas; granddaughters Elizabeth and spouse Rebecca of Washington; great-grandchildren Thomas and Austin; and several nieces, nephews, and special friends.
Lora was preceded in death by her parents; husband Everett; brothers Warren, William, Willard, Wayne, and John; and sisters Neva, Mary, Sarah, and Dorothy.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Kokomo Place Assisted Living and Heartland Hospice for the excellent care that Lora received.
Memorial contributions may be made in Lora's name to Ascension St. Vincent Hospital.
Visitation will take place from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 PM Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.
Dr. Alva Larry Jackson Jr.
Dr. Alva Larry Jackson Jr., age 52, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Alva was born in Kokomo, Indiana.
A visitation for Alva will be held Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster St., Kokomo, IN 46902. There will be a time for sharing memories at 1:00 PM before taking him to his final resting place, Kokomo Memorial Park, 1300 East North Street, Kokomo, IN 46901-3190.
Betty R. (Mumaw) Whitacre
Betty R. (Mumaw) Whitacre, aged 87, went to be in the open arms of Jesus on September 16, 2025, surrounded by her loving children. Born on November 9, 1937, in Kokomo, IN, to the late Kenneth and Ruth Mumaw, Betty lived a life marked by love, friendship, and unwavering faith.
Betty found her life's companion in John Whitacre, whom she married on March 17, 2020, blending their families and hearts in a union of joy and companionship. She was a devoted mother to Teresa (Allen) Graber, Jim (Deb) Kepner, Wayne (Cyndy) Kepner, and Brad Kepner. Her sister Marcia Stroud and sister-in-law Patty Mumaw also survive her, as do her stepchildren Jonna Wilson, Jonathan and Sam Whitacre, and Shiela (Mike) Flinn. Betty's legacy extends to her 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, who will carry forward her teachings of love and kindness. She is preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law David (Virginia) Mumaw, brother Kenneth Ray Mumaw, and her grandchildren Tosha and Ted Cass, as well as her great-granddaughter Alexis Jane Kepner.
Betty's zest for life was evident in her enjoyment of NASCAR races, the melodies of country music, and the quiet concentration required for working jigsaw puzzles. She cherished her outings to dine with friends, where laughter and stories were shared freely. Yet, above all, Betty's love for the Lord and dedication to reading scripture were the cornerstones of her life. Her faith-filled spirit was a beacon of hope and strength to all who knew her.
Those who had the privilege of knowing Betty would describe her as loving, friendly, and profoundly faith-filled. Her warm presence and the ability to make everyone feel welcome were her trademarks. Betty’s unwavering support and boundless love for her family were the essence of who she was, and her guidance was a gentle force that will be deeply missed.
As we bid farewell to Betty R. (Mumaw) Whitacre, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a journey completed with grace. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive in the hearts of all who were touched by her generous spirit. Betty's departure from this earth is not an end but a transition to eternal life, where she will surely continue to watch over those she loved so dearly. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 307 E. Defenbaugh St. Kokomo, IN 46902, from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Service by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com