Obituaries, November 11, 2025

Written on 11/11/2025


Susie Avery, Casper Denton “Denny” England, Ruth Lorraine Karnes, Spencer Brian Wimborough, William Pierre “Bill” Lambert, Wayne H. Harris, Ronald W. Alley

Susie Avery

Susie Avery, born on October 30, 1940, in Kokomo, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at the age of 85, surrounded by family. She was born in Kokomo to Joseph Blessing and Mary Anderson and attended Kokomo High School. She married Gerry W. Avery, Sr. on November 11, 1961. They were married for 64 years. She raised two sons while working at Delco Electronics.

Susie loved her family and was always baking and cooking her favorite dishes, which she shared at every special occasion. And when there wasn’t an occasion, she did it just because.

Susie was active throughout her life. She was heavily involved in the Elks, participating as the Exalted Ruler more than once. She loved gardening and flower arranging. She worked part-time after her retirement, doing flower arrangements at Salsbery Garden Center, a job she truly loved and looked forward to every year. She also had several hobbies, including glassworks and fishing.

Susie loved wintering in Florida and going to the beach to search for shells to add to her collection.

Survivors left to cherish her memory include her husband Gerry Avery, Sr.; sons Gerry (Cindy) Avery II and Tim (Rachel) Avery; grandson Aaron Avery; granddaughter Kelsie Avery; brother Chuck (Pat) Hinders; sisters Belva (Charlie) Yokum and Judy Tomassi; as well as several nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Susie was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters.

It was Susie’s wishes to be cremated and have a private viewing. Family and friends may come to show their respects on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, located at 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, IN, 46902.



Casper Denton “Denny” England

Casper Denton “Denny” England, 86, of Galveston, passed away Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Lutheran Hospital in Ft. Wayne. He was born February 27, 1939, in Colmar, Kentucky to Hubert and Gladys (Collins) England.

Denny served his country in the United States Navy. He later worked for Federal Mogel and Continental Steel until its closing.

Surviving family include his wife of 65 years Betty Jane England of Galveston, two sisters Darlene Rowlett and Gail “Butch” Headrick, niece Cheri Duncan of Kentucky, and special grandchildren Trevor and Kristina. He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Cynthia England, and siblings Wynuee Berry, Auburn England, Betta Killion, and Bimmer England.

A very special “Thank You” to Denise Morgan and Anita Keeney for their special care of Denny during his illness.

Graveside services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Galveston Cemetery with Military Honors. Pastor Sean Cooper will officiate services. In keeping with family wishes, there will be no visitation. Murray Weaver Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com



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.



Spencer Brian Wimborough

Spencer Brian Wimborough, 28 years old, formerly of Atlanta, IN, currently living in Elkmont, Alabama, passed away at his home on November 3, 2025. He was born in Noblesville, IN, on April 22, 1997.

Spencer graduated from Tipton High School in 2016, where he was active in Future Farmers of America, swimming, and the Tipton Bass Anglers. He graduated from Hobart School of Welding in 2017. He spent his professional career at Waitt Grain Co. Inc., Limestone County Highway Department District 2, and most recently Wright Construction. In his free time, he fished and tinkered around the house. He was passionate about trucks, tractors, and farming, and enjoyed buying and selling used farm equipment. He was an extremely likable and memorable individual and never met a stranger. Spencer was an old soul and always eager to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He was a member of the Mid-America Threshing & Antique Association, the Tipton County Tractor Pullers Association, and he was on the Madison Township Volunteer Fire Department.

Spencer is survived by his mother and father Pam and Joe Snyder; father Lowell Wimborough; grandparents Carol Sheffer, Ed and Claire Snyder; brother Robert Wimborough; aunts and uncles Shelly and Bill Sheffer, Bev and Brian Crawford, Heidi Sheffer, Kim and Terry Bishop, Alex and Tom Are; great-aunt and great-uncle Martha and Roger Goings, Lisa and Tom Hayner, and Jan and Jim Snyder; and cousins Asa and Kelsey Sheffer, Guy and Page Sheffer, Carley Sheffer, JD Fowler, Brant and Melissa Bishop, Robin and Camden Parkhurst, Amanda and James Thompson, Chelsea Crawford and Brooke Bishop; He was also a special uncle to Ezra, Ivy, Sage, and Texal.

Spencer was preceded in death by his grandfather Bob Sheffer; mamaw Marilyn Wimborough; great-grandmothers Grace Anne Crawford, Jerry Snyder, Juanita Sheffer, and Evelyn Rominger.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel, 200 E. Main St., Russiaville, IN 46979. A Celebration of Life will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the funeral home. Contributions may be made in Spencer’s memory to the St. Joseph Hearing + Speech, 9192 Waldemar Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.



William Pierre “Bill” Lambert

William Pierre “Bill” Lambert, 90, was called home by his Lord and Savior on November 3, 2025. His wife of 67 years, Barbara, was by his side.

The second child of Amzel G. Lambert and Roland L. Lambert, he was born on January 7, 1935, in Indianapolis, IN. Bill graduated from Lawrence Central High School in 1953, where he lettered in Basketball (Captain), Cross Country (Captain), Track, and Golf, and he participated in Future Business Leaders of America, Boys’ State and Hi-Y (Advisory Board Chairman).

Indiana University is where Bill obtained his Bachelor of Science in Business and participated in the ROTC military program. He was a member of Theta Xi Fraternity and served as President during his Senior year. This is a brotherhood which he proudly shared with his older brother Tom (Indiana University) and his grandson Weston Williams (University of Alabama). Bill met his future wife Barbara Bassett in a shared business class while earning his degree. He invited her to the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race with his family. During the race, there was a crash in front of their seats. Barb was hit on her forehead with a flying chunk of rubber from a tire and received several stitches at the infield hospital. Bill felt heartsick and said he would take her right home so she could rest, and she replied, “Oh no, I’m staying for the race!” He was smitten! Following graduation in 1957, Bill was hired directly by Kaiser Aluminum and relocated to Chicago, IL, where he started a successful career in sales.

In 1958, Bill was called to duty in the United States Air Force, but not before he and Barb were wed in March of that year. The newlyweds resided in Riverside, CA, during Bill’s service to our country. After his honorable discharge, he and Barb returned to Kokomo, IN, where he partnered with his father-in-law and mentor Weston H. Bassett in the family business, Star Building Supply. Bill and Barb raised their daughters within the Kokomo community and continue to call it their home. Summers were highlighted by spending family time on Lake Maxinkuckee in Culver, IN.

Bill’s involvement and patronage included: Indiana University, Indiana University - Kokomo, Ivy Tech - Kokomo, First National Bank of Kokomo, and later BMO Harris Bank, Kokomo Family YMCA, Kokomo Country Club, Rotary Club, The Elks Club, Homebuilders’ Association, Grace United Methodist Church, Kokomo Great Banquet, Kairos Prison Ministry, Kokomo Rescue Mission, Kokomo Men’s Huddle Bible Study, and Bible Study Fellowship International; as well as Lake Maxinkuckee Association, Lake Maxinkuckee Environmental Fund, Maxinkuckee Country Club, and Maxinkuckee Yacht Club.

Bill enjoyed playing tennis and golf, as well as watching a variety of sports where athletes compete at their highest levels, be it high school, college, or professional. He was an avid “Brickyard” fan and never missed the Indianapolis 500! He was a great dancer and favored big band music and that of Frank Sinatra. He cherished his family, friends, and community, but above all, his faith in Jesus Christ remains his enduring legacy.

Along with his wife, Barbara Bassett Lambert, he is survived by his daughter Katharyn Lambert Williams (Daniel); grandson Weston Daniel Williams; and numerous in-laws and nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his father Roland Lambert; mother Amzel Lambert; daughter Barbara (Teri) Lambert; brother Thomas Lambert; sister Jaqueline Lambert Greene; and grandchildren Peter and Elizabeth Williams.

In memory of Bill, tell someone special that you love them and be generous and extra kind to someone in need. If you know Jesus, live your faith out loud; and if you don’t, get to know Him! Memorial contributions may be sent to Kokomo YMCA (Development Office, 114 N. Union St., Kokomo, IN 46901) or Kokomo Great Banquet (c/o First EPC, 200 W. Jefferson St., Kokomo, IN 46901)

The family would like to thank all of Bill’s caregivers and Paradigm Hospice and their outstanding team for the extraordinary, compassionate care Bill received.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday November 19, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. A private graveside service and celebration of his life will take place in Culver, IN. Messages of condolences may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.



Wayne H. Harris

Wayne H. Harris, 71, of Young America, passed away Friday, November 7, 2025, at Community Heart and Vascular Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born August 4, 1954, in Biloxi, Mississippi, to Huel H. and Ruby Harris. Wayne married Patti Bookmiller, the love of his life, on March 30, 1974, in Kokomo at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, and she survives.

Wayne worked for Sayco in Flora before going to work for the Young America Feed and Grain elevator, which he ran for many years. He loved fishing, gardening, watching the hummingbirds come to his feeders, and spending time with his beloved dachshund Harry.

Surviving family include his loving wife Patti of Young America; his children Dawn (JEB) Templeton in Indianapolis; Scott (Rachel) Harris of Young America; his grandchildren Jacob, Delylah and Aerith. He is also survived by his brother Mike Harris of Bringhurst and brother-in-law Andy Bookmiller of Young America. He is preceded in death by his parents and stepfather John Hayes.

In keeping with Wayne’s wishes, no services will be held at this time. Friends and family may donate to the Galveston and Young America Vol. Fire Departments in his memory. Murray Weaver Funeral Home is honored to serve the Harris family. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com

Ronald W. Alley

Ronald W. Alley, 80 years old, of Kokomo, passed away 10:28 a.m. Saturday, November 1, 2025, at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born in Kokomo, IN, on January 20, 1945, the son of the late Ogden W. and Carolyn (Vondersaar) Alley.

Ron was a 1963 graduate of Kokomo High School, and he attended Indiana University. Ron proudly served in the United States Army from May of 1967 through April of 1969 and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was deployed in Vietnam and earned a silver star, bronze star, air medal, and combat infantryman badge. He worked at several businesses as a manufacturing representative and retired in 2009. Ron was passionate about playing golf and was a member at Wildcat Creek Golf Club. He exercised daily at the YMCA and was an avid reader.

He is survived by his sister Rosalie (Larry) Childs; nephews Jeff (Judy) Childs, Kent Childs, and Chris (Debi) Matchett; great-nieces Kelley (Eric) Jacobsen and Kate (Steve) Franks; and great-great nephews Mason and Myles Franks.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ogden W. and Carolyn Alley; brother Ogden H. Alley; and sister Joyce Matchett.

A visitation and memorial service are pending. Burial will follow in Kokomo Memorial Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Ron’s memory to a charity of your choice. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.