William E. “Bubba” Bates, Vicki K. Ferrell, Joyce Ann Lee

William E. “Bubba” Bates

William E. “Bubba” Bates, 81, of Kokomo, passed away Friday, October 10, 2025, at Waterford Place Health Campus in Kokomo. He was born June 26, 1944, in Logansport, Indiana, to Elroy and Betty Jo (Berryman) Bates.

Bubba worked as an operating engineer and began his career at RL Shutt and retired from Z&H Construction Co. He was a member of Operating Engineers Local #103 for 61 years.

Bubba loved collecting, especially John Wayne memorabilia, Thomas Kincaid paintings, and eagles. He was a huge New England Patriots fan. After retiring, he spent most of his time at the Zimmerman Campground and wintering in Florida. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge, Eagles Lodge, and the American Legion.

Surviving family include his children Anthony Wayne “Tony” Bates of Florida and Sherri Foster of Carthage, IN; his granddaughter Anna Conner of Shelbyville, IN; siblings Carolyn Zimmerman of Kokomo, Pamela (Tim) Elpers of Walton, and Rev. Donnie (Cheryl) Bates of Greensburg. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Bubba is preceded in death by his parents Elroy and Betty Jo Bates, his grandparents William A. “Papaw” and Muriel E. “Mimi” Berryman, and brother-in-law Junior Zimmerman.

Visitation will take place from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston with graveside services to follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Walton IOOF Cemetery, Walton.

Memorial contributions may be made to We Care in his memory. Murray Weaver Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com

Vicki K. Ferrell

Vicki K. Ferrell, 71, Kokomo, entered the kingdom of Heaven at 12:27 p.m. Saturday, October 11, 2025, from her home, where she had been lovingly cared for by her family. Vicki fought her battle with cancer with faith and courage, living out her favorite scripture, Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Vicki was born December 25, 1953, in Ft. Wayne, IN, the daughter of Billy F. & Donice “Donna” June (Mannweiler) Brown. On April 23, 1976, she married James “Jim” Douglas Ferrell at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, and he survives.

Vicki was a 1972 graduate of Kokomo High School. She was proud to be a mom and grandma and saw that as her calling. She enjoyed supporting her grandkids activities, including sporting events and dance recitals. She was their biggest cheerleader. Vicki loved her Catholic faith and her parish of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. She was an active volunteer and a member of the Daughters of Isabella. Her generous spirit was also known to the sisters at the Monastery of the Poor Clares. She enjoyed giving of her time to transport the sisters to appointments and helping them with their shopping. Vicki enjoyed dancing, especially line dancing, and would frequent line dances at the Kokomo Senior Citizens Center.

She is survived by her husband Jim Ferrell; children Eric (Carlie) Ferrell, Eron (Sarah) Ferrell and Emma (T.J.) White; grandchildren Trey Ferrell, Boone Ferrell, Kennedy Ferrell, and Isaac White; siblings Cary (Marcy) Brown and Tari (Pat) Richards, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and special friends. Vicki was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Colleen “Cosi” Newton.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 16, 2025, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 3055 S. 200 West, Kokomo, IN, with Rev. Fr. Mike McKinley the celebrant, with Rev. Fr. Dennis O’Keeffe and Rev. Fr. Kevin Hurley concelebrating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, where the Rosary will be offered at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Vicki’s memory to the St, Vincent de Paul Thrift Store and Pantry, 1207 N. Armstrong St., Kokomo, IN 46901. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Joyce Ann Lee

Joyce Ann Lee, age 72, of Tipton, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 10, 2025, with her devoted daughters by her side. Born on October 16, 1952, in Tipton, Joyce was the cherished daughter of Jesse and Etta (Ryan) McKay. In January of 1973, she married the love of her life, Robert E. Lee. Together, they shared 45 beautiful years of marriage and built a lifetime of memories before his passing on February 21, 2018.

A proud graduate of Windfall High School, Class of 1971, Joyce dedicated many years of her life to serving others as a CNA and dietician at the children’s home in Arcadia. Her kind heart and steady presence made a lasting impact in the lives of countless children.

Joyce loved the simple joys in life—playing bingo and visiting casinos with her husband, cheering on the Indiana Fever and Chicago Bears, and spending treasured evenings with her daughters watching The Voice. The tradition became so beloved they even played a home version together on their phones.

Creative and thoughtful, Joyce enjoyed crocheting to keep her hands busy and reading to keep her mind engaged. She especially loved the works of V.C. Andrews.

Above all, Joyce was most proud of her family. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, making sure each one knew how deeply loved and special they were to her. Her warmth, laughter, and unwavering love will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.

Those left to carry on Joyce’s legacy of love include her daughters Rhonda (Derik) Brannum, Melinda Hutchinson, and Peggy (Ed) Shannon; her beloved grandchildren Blake Lee, Shelby Williams, Cody Foxx, Bailee (Wes Trine) Foxx, Hailee (Robert Reed) Hutchinson, Jordan Lee, Jacob (Tricia) Lee, Tyler Shannon, and Trevor Shannon; great-grandchildren Braedyn, Arianna, Braxton, Maverick, Karter, Forrest, Karson, Krosley, Avery, Alivia, Bella, and Sam; her siblings Tim (Kerry) McKay, Randy (Carol) McKay, Chuck (Kathy) McKay, Bill (Kim) McKay, Larry McKay, and Ronnie McKay; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Joyce was joyfully welcomed into Heaven by her parents Jesse and Etta McKay; her husband Robert Lee; and her siblings Pat McKay, Peggy Fortune, and James Ryan.

A graveside service to celebrate Joyce’s life will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Brookside Cemetery in Windfall, Indiana, with Chaplain Rob Mifflin officiating.

Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve Joyce’s family in their time of need.