Obituaries, November 10, 2025

Written on 11/10/2025


Rowenna Kay (Hyman) Ottinger, Ruth Lorraine Karnes

Rowenna Kay (Hyman) Ottinger

Rowenna Kay (Hyman) Ottinger, known affectionately to all as Kay, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025, at the age of 70, in Converse, Indiana, after a short and courageous battle with lymphoma. Born on May 30, 1955, in Marion, Indiana, she was the beloved daughter of the late Arthur Johnson Hyman and Ruth Barney Hyman.

Kay was a cherished member of her community, renowned for her loving nature, generosity of spirit, and boundless creativity. She had attended IVY Tech and IU Kokomo, where she honed her skills and knowledge that would later benefit many through her professional and personal life.

She is survived by her daughter Sheryl Kristina (Matt) McClain and her adored grandchildren Amelia and Hoyt McClain. Her presence will be deeply missed by her family. Kay was a sister and friend to many. She leaves behind her siblings Linda Lee (Robert) Cain, Roxanna (late John Paul) Hoffman, Kimberly Rae (Mike) Saylors, and Steve Alan Hyman (Mark Lee Taylor), who will treasure the memories of her warmth and laughter. She was a beloved aunt to numerous nieces and nephews, each of whom benefited from her kindness and support. Kay was preceded in death by her sister Nancey Sue Hyman, brothers Thomas Joe Hyman and John Charles Hyman, and her precious dogs Baby and Shags who no doubt welcomed her with open arms.

In years past, Kay was very creative in her ability to sew. She studied computer science before computer science was a sought-after career. Those who knew Kay will remember her for her love of her parents and siblings. She will be fondly remembered by her surviving family.

We bid a fond farewell to our beloved Kay. While we mourn her passing, we also celebrate that her suffering is over.

A graveside service will be held at Converse Cemetery on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 10 a.m.

Ruth Lorraine Karnes

Ruth Lorraine Karnes, 95, of Kokomo, passed away November 5, 2025, at her residence. She was born on April 30, 1930, to the late Maurice and Caroline (Kolms) Thomas in Kokomo. Ruth married Robert William Karnes in 1948, and he preceded her in death on July 19, 1999.

Ruth worked for Haynes Stellite from 1952 until her retirement in 1987. She also served as President of the PTA at Jefferson Elementary. Ruth enjoyed sewing, knitting, and quilting. She was a member of the Quarter Century Club and an honorary member of UAW Hobby Club, where she won ribbons for her homemade quilts. Ruth also loved going to the lake, fishing on South Mud Lake.

Preceded in death is her loving husband of 51 years Robert; son Danny Karnes; sister Vivian Watson; brother Gene Thomas; and her dog, Penny.

There will be a time of visitation for Ruth on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 11:00 AM until the time of service at 1:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary Webster Chapel, 3400 South Webster Street, Kokomo. Pastor Steve Sherwood will officiate. Burial will follow to Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery.